09-08-2008, 01:02 AM
Part 3
During the cleansing of the Metzorah, a bird is killed over running water in an earthen vessel and a second bird is dipped along with other elements in its blood. The Metzorah is sprinkled with the blood seven times and the living bird is released into the open field. That the living bird flies away covered in the blood of the slaughtered is significant. This aspect of the ritual creates a connection between the two birds and hints at the notion that Mashiach ben Yosef, the suffering servant, and Mashiach ben David, the reigning king are two natures of one individual. Although this may be a novel idea to some, it is not a new one.
Rabbi Chaim Vital z"l (1543-1620) was the foremost student of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal z"l, and is responsible for the transcription of his master's famous Kabalistic teachings. In an autobiography written by this renowned authority, The Book of Visions (Sefer HaChizyonot), he explains that Mashiach ben Yosef and Mashiach ben David are only terms reflecting two aspects of a single man (p.106).
In hindsight, it is clear that while the releasing of the living bird by the Kohen foresees the resurrection of Mashiach, its flight into the open field depicts his ascension into heaven. Concerning this Rabbi Chaim Vital z"l again writes, "Mashiach [who will be largely unknown] will thereupon rise up to Heaven just as Moshe ascended to the firmament, and will subsequently return and be revealed completely for all to see. The entire Jewish people will then perceive him and flock towards him" (Arba Mei'ot Shekel Kesef p. 68). Our Mashiach ascended into the clouds in precisely this way. In comparing the event to Moshe Rabeinu's ascent into the clouds on Sinai's heights, we are reminded that we must not lose hope of his return.
During the cleansing of the Metzorah, a bird is killed over running water in an earthen vessel and a second bird is dipped along with other elements in its blood. The Metzorah is sprinkled with the blood seven times and the living bird is released into the open field. That the living bird flies away covered in the blood of the slaughtered is significant. This aspect of the ritual creates a connection between the two birds and hints at the notion that Mashiach ben Yosef, the suffering servant, and Mashiach ben David, the reigning king are two natures of one individual. Although this may be a novel idea to some, it is not a new one.
Rabbi Chaim Vital z"l (1543-1620) was the foremost student of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal z"l, and is responsible for the transcription of his master's famous Kabalistic teachings. In an autobiography written by this renowned authority, The Book of Visions (Sefer HaChizyonot), he explains that Mashiach ben Yosef and Mashiach ben David are only terms reflecting two aspects of a single man (p.106).
In hindsight, it is clear that while the releasing of the living bird by the Kohen foresees the resurrection of Mashiach, its flight into the open field depicts his ascension into heaven. Concerning this Rabbi Chaim Vital z"l again writes, "Mashiach [who will be largely unknown] will thereupon rise up to Heaven just as Moshe ascended to the firmament, and will subsequently return and be revealed completely for all to see. The entire Jewish people will then perceive him and flock towards him" (Arba Mei'ot Shekel Kesef p. 68). Our Mashiach ascended into the clouds in precisely this way. In comparing the event to Moshe Rabeinu's ascent into the clouds on Sinai's heights, we are reminded that we must not lose hope of his return.