John, further activity in Israel that evidences the weightiness of these days.
Taken from Arutz Sheva News Service, September 13, 2004:

"A prayer rally filled the Western Wall plaza yesterday afternoon, with thousands
of worshippers crying out for Divine protection from terrorism and expulsion from
parts of Israel.  The event was set to precede the giant rally held two hours
later about a mile away, in Zion Square.  Psalms were sung in a responsive
manner, with loudspeakers projecting the sound of King David's poetry
throughout the area.

The recitation of the Psalms was punctuated by the blowing of the shofarot
(rams' horns), symbolic of the Jewish people calling out to the Creator, as well
as the sounding of silver trumpets, which were traditionally sounded each day
at the Temple and in times of trouble.  The prayers were led by former Chief
Rabbis Mordechai Eliyahu and Avraham Kahane Shapira."

Silver trumpets and rams' horns, and the people lifting up their voices to God,
to deliver them from the trouble in their land.  How much more shall their voices
increase, when the time of Jacob's trouble comes in full fury!  I don't know if
we comprehend the magnitude of what is coming.  The scripture says that
every heart will melt with fear (Isaiah chapter 13).

Praise be to our Savior, who has delivered us from the wrath to come!  Let us
honor and bless His Holy Name forever.  Amen.

Sharon Kaiser