EXPEDITING OUR DELIVERANCE

Translated by Boruch Merkur

There are absolutely no limits to the feeling of z’rizus, excitement and enthusiasm that gives rise to a constant spiritual state of alacrity. * The above should inspire us to action. First off, to publicize that we are presently in “the end of days,” “eis keitz,” during which time, “Many shall refine themselves and make themselves white, and be purified…”

TO FILL THE LACK IN ALACRITY

The very fact that Moshiach Tzidkeinu still has not come proves that there is still a need to increase in all aspects of serving G-d, including increasing in z’rizus, alacrity – “going from strength to strength” to the point that “they have no rest.”

Here I don’t mean z’rizus solely in terms of action, but also an emotional, heartfelt inspiration or enthusiasm.

There are several limitations inherent to z’rizus in terms of expediting action, and the like. For example, the verse says, “Avrohom rose in the morning [in preparation for the binding of Yitzchok].” That is, he woke up immediately at the start of the new day, but not before then. There are things that simply cannot be done before daybreak.

However, there are absolutely no limits to the feeling of z’rizus, excitement and enthusiasm that gives rise to a constant spiritual state of alacrity. This inspiration transcends all measures and boundaries, resulting in “a person should always give precedence to Mitzva-related activities” (Nazir 23b), “a person should always run for the sake of a Mitzva.”

WAKING THE DAWN WITH THE SOUND OF THE SHOFAR

A sort of illustration of how z’rizus defies measure or limitation is the well known story about the Alter Rebbe, who once rushed to perform the Mitzva of blowing the shofar as early as possible in the morning on Rosh HaShana, with the spiritual intent of bringing about the victory of the Czar’s forces [against Napoleon]. The Alter Rebbe sided with the Czar because he saw the spiritual condition under his rule as preferable [to the influence of French culture anticipated in the wake of a French victory over Russia]. Thus, in a move that transcends the constraints of the regular order, the Alter Rebbe blew the shofar prior to davening.

The saying of our Sages, “If you have seen kingdoms clashing with one another, anticipate the footsteps of Moshiach,” brings out this story’s connection to the coming of Moshiach (apropos to what was said above about having z’rizus with regard to the redemption).

The Messianic sign of “kingdoms clashing with one another” applies to our generation as well, though it will not be manifested with the same devastation as in the time of the Alter Rebbe, G-d forbid. After all the horrors that befell the Jewish people since that time, especially in the last generation, etc., certainly we have fulfilled our obligation to suffer – more than we can bear! From now on, everything must be with kindness and with mercy, amidst tranquility, joy and gladness of heart. […]

HOW TO PREPARE IN THE END OF DAYS

The above should inspire us to action. First off, to publicize that we are presently in “the end of days,” “eis keitz,” during which time, “Many shall refine themselves and make themselves white, and be purified” (Daniel 12:9-10). The call to action is for every single Jew to add in the refinement, cleansing, and purification of everything related to him, by means of adding one positive activity after another – one action, one spoken word, even a single thought. For by doing so, “he inclines himself and the entire world to the side of favor, bringing to himself and to the others salvation and deliverance.”

That is to say that since Moshiach Tzidkeinu has still not come after all our deeds and service that have been done until now, there should be a further increase in refinement, cleansing, and purifying, etc. – a totally thorough refinement.

(From the address of Shabbos Parshas Tzav, Shabbos HaGadol, 12 Nissan 5747, bilti muga)