Apparently, Rabbi Sabato Morais, the Italian-American leader of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, a pioneer of Italian Jewish Studies in America, and the founder of the Jewish Theological Seminary, used the phrase in his sermon in Philadelphia after the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) had been fought but before the outcome was announced (the North won, halting Gen. Robert E. Lee’s invasion).” (Article https://www.jewishpress.com/news/jewish-news/when-lincoln-borrowed-a-philadelphia-rabbis-tammuz-17-reference-for-the-gettysburg-address/2019/07/19/ )
This year, 2023 - will mark 160 years since that speech in 1863. If we total that together, again we have 7.
The number 7 is the foundation of God's word. It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to creation. Used 735 times (54 times in Revelation alone), it symbolizes completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). If we include with this count how many times 'sevenfold' (6) and 'seventh' (119) are used, our total jumps to 860 references. (https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/7.html )
"We rebelled against Him Who dwells in heaven, therefore we were scattered in all directions... We acted rebelliously before Thee with slandering tongues, therefore our tongues were made to learn to utter lamentation... The tempest-tossed afflicted people were utterly broken up and dispersed; the dry land became a boat wrecked for lack of a captain; she received [punishment] for her sins with principal and double interest, with mourning and moaning... Their adversaries assailed them on that day and... drove the nation like a chased gazelle, and there was none that sought to protect it... Turn to us, O Thou that dwellest on high, gather our dispersed from the four corners of the earth. Say to Zion, Arise! And we shall arise. Convert the 17th of Tammuz into a day of salvation and comfort." (translation by Rev. Abraham Isaac Jacob Rosenfeld) (article https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/232286 )
“Convert the 17th of Tammuz into a day of salvation and comfort.”
Could this be the year this prayer becomes true?
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