Dear Reader sh’yichyeh,
We have mentioned many times in this column the directive of the Rebbe (Tazria Metzora 5751) to learn about Moshiach and Geula. The Rebbe said that this learning is the direct path to bring Moshiach. The Rebbe encouraged that – in addition to everyone learning this subject in-depth privately – there should be public classes (at least 10 participants) as well.
There is a misconception among Bachurim today that twenty-five years ago the lethargy and Yetzer ha’ra not to learn inyanei geula u’Moshiach did not exist. They think that once the Rebbe gave those instructions, hundreds of Bachurim started coming to Shiurim on inyanei Geula u’Moshiach. The truth is that a certain bachur took upon himself the responsibility – and privilege – to arrange the shiur in 770, and he struggled to get 10 bachurim to come. In his frustration, he wrote to the Rebbe a letter bemoaning the current state of affairs. One of the expressions that he used in his letter was “”Es Kumt Un Shver – it is pretty difficult” to get 10 people together.
By the next Farbrengen (Balak – 17 Tammuz – exactly 24 years ago), the Rebbe “borrowed his term” and said the following:
Despite the “uproar” associated with this matter in recent times within this year, the year of “I shall show him wonders,” and after witnessing the wonders which testify that this is “The year that the King Moshiach will be revealed,” we see that – “Es Kumt Un Shver” – 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 be 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.”
Dear Chassidim!
The Rebbe is constantly pushing us forward. He is guiding us and leading us. Yet, this last step – to learn about and live with Moshiach – we need to do ourselves. We need to develop a taste and appreciation for Moshiach and Yemos HaMoshiach and then become “elevated to the state of Redemption.”
There are many Chassidim today that to them “Yemos HaMoshiach” is another farbrengen with the Rebbe, dollars, Kos shel Bracha, just like 5752. While we look forward to those things as well, the Rebbe wants us to look forward to a whole new life of Yemos HaMoshiach, a world filled with the revelation of the truth and oneness of Hashem.
I heard the following vort from Rabbi Pinye Korf at a farbrengen: There was a couple that were married for many years without children. They anxiously awaited the day when they would have the good news, that the wife is finally expecting a child. The day finally came and they felt so blessed. They appreciated every moment – despite the natural difficulties – and awaited the birth.
Right before birth came the reality of labor and the pains associated with it. During that painful time, the husband said, “I wish we could go back in time a few weeks when my wife was so happy being pregnant!” The Dr. looked at him and said: “At this point, the solution is the final birth, not being pregnant again!”
The analogy is clear: in 5751 – the year of “I shall show him wonders,” and after witnessing the wonders which testify that this is “The year that the King Moshiach will be revealed,” – the world became “pregnant” with Moshiach. Chassidim were so happy, as the Rebbe was happy and pushing us forward.
Then came the natural birth pains of 27 Adar and Gimmel Tammuz. At this point it is foolish to say “I wish we were in 5751”; we want the healthy birth of the “new child,” the world illuminated by “the new Torah.”
During the “three weeks” (which start this Shabbos), the Rebbe gives us the special directive, to learn Hilchos Beis HaBechira (laws of Beis HaMikdash) in the Rambam. We will discuss the significance of this special directive in our column next week B’ezras Hashem, but we will finish with the words of the Rebbe:
Since we are standing on the threshold of Redemption which will arrive imminently, it follows that the study of the Laws of building the Temple this year must be of an entirely different order. First and foremost, this study must be permeated with the certain awareness and full recognition that this study is not merely an ‘academic exercise,’ but it is relevant for practical use for the very next moment. For indeed, the ‘Future Sanctuary that we are anticipating has already been built and is fully developed (above and will thus imminently) be revealed and arrive from Heaven’ instantaneously!
Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well sought after speaker and lecturer. Recordings of his in-depth shiurim on Inyanei Geula u’Moshiach can be accessed at http://www.ylcrecording.com.