Several esoteric sources connect rain with the Messiah, leading one prominent Kabbalist (mystic) in Israel to state that the recent downpours are a sure sign that the Messiah’s coming is imminent. Judaism is deeply rooted in the land of Israel, and the prayer for rain and sustenance reflects that, beginning after Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) and ending after Pesach (Passover). It is unusual for rain to fall after Pesach and certainly not in the quantity seen in recent weeks. Rain is usually seen as a blessing in Israel.
On Monday, a short but torrential rainfall fell in the north, sending much-needed water flowing into the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). But unseasonable rain can also be devastating. Less than two weeks ago, unseasonable rains caused flash flooding that killed ten students on a hike near the Dead Sea. The rain is currently on its way south and rains are expected in the center of Israel, much to the chagrin of Israelis who are used to basking in the uninterrupted Mediterranean sun for most of the year. READ MORE
