A benefit of international strife

Hi,

"Doubtless, the few righteous people of those generations benefited from the division of the nations and empires. When a nation in one empire oppressed them, they wandered to another land where they could worship Gd as they wished, as happens for us in our exile today. When forced assimilation was renewed in the Land of Ishmael, their refugees fled to another land, and from there to Yishmael. This provides some life in the time of our troubles and enslavement."

אין ספק כי אותם הצדיקים אשר היו יחידים בדורות ההם היה להם חילוק האומות והממשלות לטוב ולתועלת, כי כאשר תצר להם האומה באיזה מלכות, ישוטטו אל ארץ אחרת שיוכלו שם לעבוד השם יתברך כרצונם, כאשר קורה לנו בגלותנו היום, כי כאשר נתחדש שמד בארץ ישמעאל ינוסו פליטיהם אל ארץ אחרת, ומשם לישמעאל, וזה אצלנו מחיה מעט בעת צרותינו ועבדותנו 

(Rabbeinu Nisim, Derashot haRan 1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

What is a navi?

Hi,

"The expression navi [generally rendered: prophet] means one who continually amplifies and speaks to the masses, as in Shemot 7:1, 'And Aharon, your brother, will be your navi'."

(Rabbeinu Nisim, Derashot haRan 5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Hunger and Prophecy conflict

Hi,

"When inspiration does not come from Gd to the prophet independently, but the prophet needs to seek it out, it will not be grasped unless he humbles his nature entirely, such that the soul will be dedicated and will grasp that hidden element. One's natural needs prevent this."

(Derashot haRan, Derush 2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai