Dear Readers sh’yichyu
In the past few articles, we discussed the importance of instilling in our children the Emuna that Moshiach will reveal himself at any moment and that even in our times, they can connect and receive brachos and guidance from our Rebbe. In this article I would like to add and explain another important concept that needs to be instilled: If you are living in these trying times after 3 Tammuz, it is because Hashem has given you the Ko’ach to stand up and be victorious in this final test of Galus.
To explain: Many of our youth tell themselves the following excuse for their lack of involvement and dedication: It is true that the Rebbe is “here,” but being that we do not see him – and we do see the temptations of the physical world – it is very difficult to stay focused and inspired. If we would have lived 25 years earlier – and we would be able to see the Rebbe and participate in his Farbrengens, we would look very different.
While it is true that we must learn the sichos of the past, it is vital that we train our children to “live in the present” and to internalize two points: 1) It is Hashgacha Pratis that we are living in 5775; and 2) we were given the Ko’ach to stand up to this test and bring about the revelation of Moshiach.
On Shabbos Parshas Pinchas 5751, the Rebbe discussed the following story: It is told that in 1857 there was a Chassid of the Tzemach Tzedek that wanted to move to Israel. When he asked his Rebbe for a bracha, the Tzemach Tzedek said, “Mach da Eretz Yisroel” (basically, wherever you are, make that place into Eretz Yisroel).
In chapter 13 of that Sicha the Rebbe explains, that some people say that if they would live in a different time or a different place, they would act different. We must know that “mach da (make here – in your specific time and space) Eretz Yisroel!”
One of the ways I use to explain this point is by bringing out the following observation: In 5741, the Rebbe started the worldwide organization of Tzivos Hashem. The Rebbe quoted the Pasuk – in Parsha Bo – that says that the “Tzivos Hashem” left the exile of Egypt. The Rebbe wanted that right from birth, every Jewish child should be enrolled and registered in this special army.
While it is not for us to decide the reasons behind the Rebbe’s ways and decisions, there are certain observations we may make if it strengthens our Avodas Hashem. Anyone making the calculation will notice that it is these children that were registered into Tzivos Hashem – starting from 5741 – that became Bar/Bas Mitzva in 5754! It is quite obvious that the Rebbe was aware of the test that our generation would be going through and knew how much strength we would need. He therefore fortified our Neshamos from birth – as opposed to those born before that time when you would only become a soldier when you entered Tomchei T’mimim – to give us this ko’ach.
Let us all remain focused and use the special kochos we were given and bring about the Hisgalus of the Rebbe now!
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.