wow this is a tough read....Thoughts comments? Mishnah Torah repentance chapter 3

When the vices and virtues of man are weighed neither the first nor the second time is taken into consideration, but from the third time onward; if his vices from the third time onward exceed his virtues, then those two transgressions, too are added, and he is tried on all; but if his virtues balance his vices from the third transgression onward, all of his transgressions are wiped off one by one, as the third transgression is counted as the first for the two long since had been forgiven, so is the fourth considered thereafter first, as the third long since had been forgiven, and this way till end of the transgressions. That is saying concerning an individual, of whom it is said: "Lo, all these things does God work, twice, yea thrice, with a man" (Job. 33. 29): but concerning a congregation, the first, second and third transgression is held suspended over them, even as it is said: "Thus saith the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, yea, for four, I will not reverse it" (Amos. 2. 6) and when the reckoning comes up, the reckoning is made even in this manner, i. e. from the fourth transgression and onward. The intermediary category, if there be among the half of their transgressions such sins as never having put on phylacteries, each one is judged according to his transgressions, but has a share in the World to Come. Even so are the wicked whose vices are more than their virtues judged according to their transgressions but have a share in the World to Come; for all Israel have a share in the World to Come, even as it is said: "Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever" (Is. 60. 21). So, too, do the righteous of among the nations of the world have a share in the World to Come.7

6

And, the following are they that have no share in the World to Come but suffer excision and loss of identity, and are damned for ever and ever for their exceeding wickedness and sinfulness: atheists, infidels, traducers of the Torah, dissenters of resurrection and the coming of a Redeamer, apostates, enticers of many to sin, seceders from the congregation, a public perpetrator of sins emulating Jehoiakim,8 informers, leaders who cast fear upon the congregation not for the sake of God, shedders of blood by defaming people in public, evil-tongued people, he who abolishes circumcision.9

7

There are five categories of atheists;10 (1) he who says that there is no God and no Omnipotence; (2) he who says that there is an Omnipotence but that there are two or more such; (3) he who says that there is One Lord; but that He is corporeal and has a form; (4) Likewise one who says that He alone is not the First Cause and Creator of all; (5) likewise he who worships a star, or planet, or any other as a mediator between him and the Lord of the universe; every one of these five is an atheist.13

8

There are three categories of infidels: (1) he who says that prophecy is altogether an invention, and that no knowledge reaches the heart of the sons of man from the Creator; (2) he who denies the prophecy of Moses our Master; (3) and he who says that the Creator knoweth not the affairs of the sons of man; every one of these three is an infidel. There are three categories of Torah traducers: (1) he who says that the Torah is not God given, even if he says that a single Verse or one word thereof was spoken by Moses on his own authority is, indeed, a traducer of the Torah; (2) he who denies its Oral explanation, that is the Oral Torah, or its exponents, even as Zaduk and Bythos did;14 (3) he who says that the Creator commuted this Duty for another duty and that the Torah had been nullified long ago though it really was God given; every one of these three is a traducer of the Torah.15

So Eliyanah made me do it!! although I do have to admit that she could be related to this Frank Morris dude.....rofl

Last Updated Jan 24, 2018 10:56 AM EST
SAN FRANCISCO -- It is one of America's greatest mysteries: What happened to three men after they pulled off a daring prison break at Alcatraz in 1962? Only the worst criminals were sent to Alcatraz. And for 29 years, it was the most secure federal prison in the country -- surrounded by the cold, rough waters of the Pacific. But brothers John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris disappeared into the night and have never been found.
The men have become folklore -- fueled by Hollywood and popular shows. And in the last 55 years, theories about their fate have multiplied as new evidence surfaces.
A letter allegedly written by one of the escapees recently came to light. CBS San Francisco exclusively obtained it from a source.
"My name is John Anglin. I escape from Alcatraz in June 1962 with my brother Clarence and Frank Morris. I'm 83 years old and in bad shape. I have cancer. Yes we all made it that night but barely!"
The FBI says this is the most recent piece of evidence that forced the agency to reopen the iconic cold case. The letter was sent to the San Francisco Police Department's Richmond station in 2013.
"It's interesting, I mean it's obviously a very famous case here in San Francisco," said Jeff Harp, a security analyst for CBS San Francisco.


Harp spent 21 years with the FBI, but did not work directly on this case.
"As a law enforcement person I'd like to think that their escape attempt was not fruitful for them. Personally, as someone who swims in the bay, and we have a triathlon that goes on every year, and there's not a single person that doesn't make that swim," he added.
This past summer, CBS San Francisco got an exclusive tour of some never-before-seen parts of Alcatraz. After months of meticulous planning – on the night of June 11, 1962 – the trio of bank robbers squeezed through the vents in the back of their cells.
The FBI says they used a homemade drill made from a broken vacuum cleaner motor to widen the vents. Once they crawled through, they climbed up a network of pipes and plumbing in a commonly unguarded space.
They set up a secret workshop on the top of their cells, where they built and hid what they needed to escape. They eventually made it out through the ventilator that led them to the prison roof. They slid down the smokestack to the ground and launched their raft -- made of more than 50 raincoats. They also created life vests and wooden paddles.
The next morning, guards found dummy heads made of plaster, paper mache, paint and real human hair in their cells.
According to the letter, Frank died in 2008 and John's brother died three years later. The writer makes a deal -- "If you announce on TV that I will be promised to first go to jail for no more than a year and get medical attention, I will write back to let you know exactly where I am. This is no joke ..."
The U.S. Marshals, which is the sole agency investigating the case today, says the FBI lab examined the letter for fingerprints and DNA, and the handwriting.
The FBI's results were inconclusive.
"So that means yes, and it means no, so this leaves everything in limbo," said Harp.
The writer of the letter says he spent many years after his escape from Alcatraz living in Seattle. He also mentions that he lived in North Dakota for 8 years, and currently lives in Southern California.
In a statement to CBS San Francisco, the U.S. Marshals Service writes: "There is absolutely no reason to believe that any of them would have changed their lifestyle and became completely law abiding citizens after this escape."
"The Federal Bureau of Prisons say that they drowned once they got off of Alcatraz and their bodies were swept out to the Pacific Ocean -- end of story," said National Park Service Ranger John Cantwell.
New evidence presented in a 2015 History Channel special shows a photo allegedly showing escaped brothers John and Clarence Anglin in Brazil – 13 years after the great escape.
If the men are alive today, Frank Morris would be 90 years old and John and Clarence Anglin would be 86 and 87.
"I didn't believe that they made it, but that was because of what the officers were saying," said author Jolene Babyak.
Babyak was 15 years old and living on the island with her family when the men broke free.
Her father was the acting warden.
"I was awaken by the siren, which I had never heard before, so I wasn't really sure exactly what it was," she said.
She has since written several books on Alcatraz. CBS San Francisco showed her a copy of the letter.
"No evidence, lots of allegations, no real evidence, nothing you can follow up on," she said.
As for the U.S. Marshals, they tell CBS San Francisco they consider this lead closed with no merit.
"They're getting up there in age, someone knows, cause if they made it out they communicated with somebody, so somebody somewhere knows – that's still alive," added Harp.
© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Another interesting find in Jerusalem. It matches up with what Rabbi posted in his secret group except this find names Jeruselam!

At the unveiling, the IAA’s Jerusalem Regional Archaeologist Dr. Yuval Baruch noted that the village was on a main artery leading through the city to the Temple Mount, still used today. Baruch said that Jerusalem at the time was one of the largest cities in the east. Its population of at least 50,000 residents grew to hundreds of thousands during the three main pilgrimage festivals of the year. The artisans’ village would have supplied the city and catered to the needs of pilgrims visiting the Temple during the feasts.

https://patternsofevidence.com/blog/2018/10/11/oldest-known-stone-inscription-of-jerusalem-in-hebrew-discovered/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Thinker129Jerusalem&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Thinker129Jerusalem&inf_contact_key=2977ca3fa7f63fcc07cabcf0c66cc41c85040d1a2ccd6ded5b210ffb6f3edfa6

Sefer HaMidot - Rebbe Nachman

Anger


1. One who guards himself from anger, those who hate him have no dominion over him.

2. Also, he will dwell in his house, and others will not lodge in his place.

3. Through anger, one is humiliated.

4. Do not lose your temper and you will not sin.

5. Anyone who becomes angry; his wisdom and prophetic ability departs. And even if greatness has been decreed for him in Heaven, he is brought down from his greatness.

6. The Holy One Blessed be He loves one who does not become angry and one who does not harbor resentment.

7. A hot-tempered person's life is not worth living.

8. Also, all sorts of hell reign over (or afflict) him.

9. And is overcome with hemorrhoids (in the shape of figs).

10. The Divine Presence is not important to him.

11. And he forgets his learning.

12. And increases stupidity.

13. And it is certain that his sins are more than his merits.

14. Anger after eating is very damaging (t.n. See also #37).

15. The anger of a woman destroys the house.

16. Through anger one's flesh becomes emaciated.

17. It is conducive for [avoiding (or possibly: calming)] anger, to eat bread in the morning (t.n. See also #37).

18. One who does not complain about people will be esteemed in peoples' eyes.

19. Through falsehood comes anger (t.n. See also #21).

20. One with a bad temper should make a pledge and pay it immediately. Through this the anger will be annulled from him.

21. One who gazes at the face of a liar comes to anger (t.n. See also #19).

22. Through jealousy one comes to anger.

23. Through anger one incites upon oneself harsh judgments.

24. Through anger one sires foolish children.

25. Through anger, one's lifespan is shortened.

26. It is conducive to (dispelling or preventing) anger, that you lower the haughty.

27. When you don't have anger, through this you will be able, with your gaze, to humble the arrogant.

28. One who has a bad temper, it is certain that he loves honor, and even all the commandments (good deeds) he does, he only does for honor.

29. One who is angry at an honorable pauper, it is as if he taunted G-d.

30. Also, he becomes mute.

31. And becomes a leper.

32. One who breaks the vice of anger will merit a good name.

33. Sometimes anger comes through (bearing) a heavy burden.

34. Through anger comes depression.

35. Anger comes through hisbodidus (seclusion) not carried out appropriately.

36. Through choler, there is no peace.

37. Through eating, anger departs (t.n. See also #14 & #17).

38. Guard yourself from anger on a day in which you had a salvation.

39. Through (giving) charity, anger is annulled.

40. Through anger, a woman has difficulty in childbirth (or having children).

41. Anger frightens a person.

42. Anger damages eyesight

This is the book that goes with the series I just posted from Rabbi Yoni....As he called it the History of Tomorrow. Aval. in hardback or kindle....


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592642454?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=VZJQKKS59VDA7REGSXSA

A Short Tribute
Hacham Yosef Massass was born in 1892 in Meknes, Morocco to his mother Simcha and father
Hacham Haim Massass. As a youth, he studied at the Etz Haim Yeshiva, headed by Hacham Haim Birdugo, in the city of Meknes.

In 1908 he married Simcha HaCohen. In 1922, after 4 years during which they were not blessed with children, he married Rachel Lakhrief.

In 1924, at the age of 31, he was appointed to the position of Chief Rabbi of the city of Tlemcen, Algeria.

In 1941, following the decease of Hacham Moshe Toledano, he returned to the city of Meknes to serve as dayan [rabbinic court judge]. Upon his return, he found favor with the King of Morocco and was granted an honor award.

Hacham Yosef Massass was a gifted illustrator and his books are decorated with his drawings. His language is fluent and numerous poems can be found throughout his books, written in beautiful and flowery rhyme.

In 1964 he made Aliyah to Israel and settled in the city of Haifa. In 1968 he was appointed Chief Sephardi Rabbi of Haifa. In Israel, Hacham Massass maintained his charitable work; he frequently visited the sick in hospitals, and provided personal support for soldiers wounded in Israel's wars. He was a source of solace and encouragement for bereaved parents. Rabbi Yosef Massass also visiting prisons regularly, where would evoke regret in the hearts of prisoners for their misdeeds.

Hacham Yosef Massass authored 48 books, including: Otzar Hamichtavim (A Treasury of Letters), three volumes; thousands of letters on numerous topics. Ner Mitzvah (The Light of Commandments) – on the festival of Hannukah and its customs; Nachalat Avot, six volumes, ethics on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers), Ma'im Ha'im (Living Waters), Responsa, two volumes. Hacham Yosef Massass passed away
on 2 Shevat 5734 (1974) and was laid to honorable rest in the Haifa Cemetery.

A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Love of Israel' in which he teaches to share bread with those who do not recite the blessings, there being a commandment to welcome guests.
His Honor was asked by a friend, a religious person who has well-bred secular friends whom he hosts at home and to whom he serves food at his table, such as meat and wine, and offers them all manner of things, whether this does not involve a transgression, since it is forbidden to share bread with one who does not recite the blessing.
Maran [Our Master], of blessed memory…did not write this in the sense of prohibition but rather as a warning, meaning stringency… since he is fulfilling the commandment of hospitality he is not transgressing "do not place a stumbling-block before the blind", and whether he recites the blessing or doesn't, he should serve him.
Every instance of hospitality has a reason and is an inherent commandment, whether it be receiving guests, brotherly love, granting a favor, domestic harmony, forestalling a threat or obtaining a favor, or unexpected visits that are difficult to send off empty-handed, and it is also a great sin to offend their dignity…
If so, since in each sense there is an aspect of a major or minor commandment, and it is very problematic to embarrass and very problematic to rebuke, and not everyone knows how to rebuke, silence is therefore called for, and amity is best, so that one should receive every person gracefully and provide them with food and drink to their good health, and the Almighty will determine his reward.
Otzar HaMichtavim, Chapter 3, letter A 815, p. 182. Published by Otzrot HaMaghreb, Bnei Issachar Institute, Jerusalem, 1988
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Israel and the Nations' in which he teaches that it is obligatory to attend the funeral of a deceased Gentile, even the lesser ones among them.
His Honor also asked whether it is permissible to attend a Gentile's funeral. My friend! This matter is an obligation, to maintain amity, even with the lesser ones among them, and certainly if he is among his followers, for they have a share in the World to Come.
Otzar HaMichtavim, Chapter 1, letter 240, p. 108. Published by Otzrot HaMaghreb, Bnei Issachar Institute, Jerusalem, 1998
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Tzedakah and Healing' in which he teaches that there should be something to benefit the poor in the house of every member of the people of Israel
"Let your home be wide open" – so that every person may find relief from his distress therein: the hungry will find food, the poor find charity, the hard-pressed a loan, the ill medicine and so on. Not that they should all come at once, but that each should benefit, within one's capacity. The principle is that the homes of the people of Israel should have in them some item to benefit the poor… There was a poor woman in the city of Drakart who would rise early each morning, heat the stove and lend hot water or coals to her neighbors. There was a fire in town and she and her neighbors were saved thanks to this good deed. For despite the fact that they were poor, when they had the means their homes were wide open for the benefit of others.
Nachalat Avot, Chapter 1, pp. 213-214. Printed by Bros. Yitzhak and Eliyahu Abicassis Maghreb Printing, Jerusalem 1976
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Redemption of Israel' in which he tells of the awakening to Aliyah and what prevented them from emigrating.
And from that day onward the holy spark would return and become a great flame in my heart, and I began to awaken the community to make Aliyah [immigration to Israel]. But my words were of no avail, because the hearts of the Jews of Algeria were closed tightly shut to hearing about this matter because of the peace and quiet and plenty in which they lived. And in particular because they were unfamiliar with the Hebrew language spoken in Israel… I received a telegram from Morocco... and immediately travelled there, where I discovered a great enthusiasm for Aliyah and much information concerning the situation in Israel. Indeed, many travelers returned from there with slander about the land, about its lack of material and spiritual wealth, and we have therefore been weakened, while our income remains more than ample, and the peace and quiet and great plenty in which we live have added to impeding our immigration to Israel. Although Aliyah had not ceased, but increased very slowly and began to increase in the year of 1947.
Otzar HaMichtavim, Chapter 1, author's preface, pp. 17-18, Published by Otzrot HaMaghreb, Bnei Issachar Institute, Jerusalem, 1998
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Customs of Israel' in which he gives the reason for the custom of accompanying Torah scrolls to geniza [repository for old religious manuscripts] with songs and piyutim.
Concerning the age-old custom in the month of Sivan (April) of storing worn Torah scrolls and printed books, and escorting them from town to the cemetery to be buried with song and piyut, whether there is any basis for this custom…
I have not seen anything written in books concerning the custom of escorting them with song and piyut, yet in the place of my birth, in Meknes, an important Jewish town, may G-d protect it, the custom was indeed to escort them to burial to the sound of much singing. I've heard that this was also the custom in several cities of the Maghreb and here, in Tlemcen, as well, the custom on the day of geniza is to hold a small festive meal…since the reason that the scrolls are worn is the extensive amount of study for which we have used them, and therefore at the sight of worn scrolls and pages, which shows how much Torah study there is in the city, we sing and rejoice at having studied so much Torah.
Mayim Haim Responsa, Chapter 1, Orach Haim section, pp. 60-61. Published by Otzrot HaMaghreb, Bnei Issachar Institute, Jerusalem, 1998
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Torah Study' in which he explains how Torah scholars cause poverty to their sons by having them not become scholars.
'For what reasons is it not common for Torah scholars to give rise to Torah scholars among their sons? Because they do not first recite a blessing over the Torah' – I have seen a certain commentator interpret this to mean that most Torah scholars are poor, and when they bless their children they begin by wishing them wealth, that they not be as poor as they, and bless them with Torah learning at the end, making it seem as though Torah is not important to them, and therefore their sons do not achieve Torah learning, and this is, to my mind, correct.
Otzar HaMichtavim 1, letter 353, p. 184. Published by Otzrot HaMaghreb, Bnei Issachar Institute, Jerusalem, 1998