1.
On the 6th of Mar-Cheshvan 5752, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, a prominent Israeli Posek and then Sephardic Chief Rabbi in Israel and a long-time friend of Lubavitch, came to visit the Rebbe.
This wasn’t his first visit, he came several times before (in 5744, 5746, 5747, and 5749) together with the Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Elkanah Shapira.
2.
The Yechidus was held at the Rebbe’s apartment in the library next to 770, constructed for the Rebbe & Rebbitzen, so that it would be easier to stay close to 770 for Shabbos & Yomim Tovim.
3.
At the visit, a fascinating Torah discussion took place between these two Torah giants covering many topics in Halacha, Chassidus, and Kabbalah. The Rebbe did not leave out the “hot” topic – Moshiach and the imminent Redemption, and spoke of a special means to hasten it which lays only in the hand of Rabbis:
“The topic of which I spoke many times should be once again aroused: the Rabbis must publicize the legal decision that ‘all the kitzin have passed,’ and therefore Moshiach must come.”
4.
The Yechidus lasted for an hour and 45 minutes, after which the Rebbe and Rabbi Eliyahu spoke privately for a few minutes. The Rebbe then exchanged greetings with Rabbi Eliyahu’s entourage, which included prominent rabbis and lay leaders of the Sephardic community in New York.
5.
Amongst the fascinating things the Rebbe said:
“As I have repeated and emphasized many times that not only will the Redemption eventually come, but the Redemption is already standing on the threshold, and awaits that every Jewish man and woman should open his door and pull the Redemption into the room!”
The Rebbe told him that he is hoping the Geulah will come very soon, and he will then visit Rabbi Eliyahu in his chamber in Eretz Yisrael.
Rabbi Eliyahu responded excitingly, “Baruch Haba! I will say ‘Baruch Haba B’shem HaShem’ with great joy.
6.
Following the meeting, the Rebbe escorted Rabbi Eliyahu outside. ■