THE DIRECT PATH

On Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751, the Rebbe once again spoke very strongly about it: “Despite the uproar associated with this matter in recent times within this year… we see how difficult it is to inculcate the awareness and the feeling that we are literally standing on the threshold of the Messianic Era, to the point that one begins to thrive on matters of Moshiach and Redemption..

Dear Readers sh’yichyu:

It has been quite a while since we last wrote our column on Moshiach and Geula. IY”H we will be starting a new series next week. Before we get into the details of a specific topic on Moshiach, I feel it is important to remember the reason, goal and importance of this learning.

On 28 Nissan 5751, the Rebbe said the following: “What more can I do so that all the children of Israel should create an uproar and cry sincerely and cause Moshiach to come in reality, since all that was done until now has had no effect, and the proof is that we find ourselves still in exile, and most essentially in an inner exile in Divine service.

The only thing I am able to do is to turn the matter [over] to you: Do everything in your ability – things that are in the nature of lights of Tohu, but in vessels of Tikkun – to actually bring our righteous Moshiach immediately, instantly, in reality!”

In the following weeks, people were trying to figure out what they could do to make Moshiach a reality. Finally, on Shabbos Tazria-Metzora 5751, the Rebbe introduced us to the Direct Path to bring Moshiach: “The question is: Since we’ve already completed ‘our actions and service throughout the duration of exile,’ what is the ‘straightforward path’ (the easiest and fastest among all the paths of Torah) that all the Jewish people, who have concluded their service, should choose to realize the revelation and coming of Moshiach?

“The increase in learning the Torah concerned with Moshiach and Redemption is the ‘straightforward path’ to actually cause the revelation and coming of Moshiach and Redemption.

“My intention here is action, and certainly the following will be publicized everywhere:

“In order to realize the immediate revelation and coming of Moshiach, each and every Jew (the men, whether they are dwellers in the tent (Yisachar) or men of business (Z’vulun), and the women and children, each one according to his ability) should increase their learning of Torah, particularly the subjects of Moshiach and Redemption.”

The Rebbe kept on pushing this new initiative over the next few months. On Shabbos Parshas Balak 5751, he once again spoke very strongly about it: “Despite the uproar associated with this matter in recent times within this year… we see how difficult it is to inculcate the awareness and the feeling that we are literally standing on the threshold of the Messianic Era, to the point that one begins to thrive on matters of Moshiach and Redemption..

“The solution to this dilemma is Torah study concerning Moshiach and Redemption. For Torah – which is G-d’s wisdom, and thus transcends the natural order of the universe – has the capacity to alter the nature of man. Even when one’s emotions are still outside the parameters of Redemption, G-d forbid (because he has not yet emerged from his internal exile), he can nevertheless learn the Torah’s teachings concerning Redemption, and thereby become one who is elevated to the state of Redemption. One then begins to thrive on matters of Redemption, borne of the knowledge, awareness and feeling that ‘Behold he is coming.’”

Finally, on Shabbos Parshas Chaya-Sara 5752 (Kinus HaShluchim), the Rebbe said: “From the international convention must come and be brought good resolutions such that every shliach must prepare himself and prepare all Jews in his place and city, etc. to greet our righteous Moshiach. This should be done through his explanation of the concept of Moshiach, as explained in the Written Torah and the Oral Torah, in a way that it will be received by everyone according to his intellect and understanding.

“This includes in particular learning the subject of Moshiach and Redemption, and specifically in a manner of Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge. And since this is the Divine service of the time, it’s understood this applies to every Jew without any exception whatsoever.”

To summarize: All the Torah we learn and the Mitzvos we do are a necessary path to Moshiach. Yet, the “Direct Path” is learning about Moshiach. I have taken upon myself the Shlichus of teaching Inyanei Moshiach for the English-speaking audience. We have made audio shiurim (available at www.ylcrecording.com) or video (go to www.youtube.com and type “Rabbi Avtzon”) available to the public. Please visit and spread the message to your friends.