All of the signs mentioned by our sages indicate that we are currently situated at the very end of the period of exile. We have "passed all the deadlines."
We have also performed Teshuvah [repentance, return, a prerequisite for Redemption]. Indeed, my sainted father-in-law, the leader of our generation, declared (several decades ago) that we have already concluded all the service [necessary for Redemption], including the "polishing of the buttons," and we now stand ready ("All of you stand ready") to greet our righteous Moshiach.
Despite the difficult and protracted final exile, which has lasted more than 1,900 years (in stark contrast to the duration of the Egyptian bondage which lasted 210 years), the nature of "the Children of Israel" has essentially transcended exile. Thus, every additional moment we remain in exile is a form "having now come into Egypt," "as if they had that very day entered into Egypt."
The Jewish people, therefore, stand with firm faith and conviction that G-d will immediately fulfill his promise that "I have indeed remembered you" by bringing the genuine and complete Redemption, especially when hearing from the Moses of our generation, my sainted father-in-law, the leader of our generation,
1. Sanhedrin 97b.
2. Talk of Simchas Torah, 5689.
3. Cf. Hayom Yom, among others, 15 Teves.
4. Shemos 1:1.
5. Shemos Rabbah, beginning of our Parsha (8:14), Tanchuma, loc. cit. 3.
6. Shemos 3:16.
7. See Bereishis Rabbah 56:7: "There is no generation in which there is none like Moses." See also Zohar 3:273a. Tikkunei Zohar 69 (112, beginning of side a. 114, beginning of side a). Tanya chapter 44. Ibid. Iggeres HaKodesh, elucidation of sec. 27, end.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE REDEMPTION
king" has acquired an exclusively positive connotation, one that is visibly and manifestly good, even to eyes of flesh. In the words of our sages:
The Holy One Blessed be He says to Israel, "My children have no fear. All that I have done I have done exclusively for you... the time of your Redemption has arrived."
The emphasis of this generation - particularly this year, the year designated as "It shall be a year of wonders I will show him" - should be placed on the concept of G-d's support of those who have fallen, to strengthen and encourage the Jewish people, emphasizing particularly the support and encouragement acquired through faith in the coming of Moshiach and the implicit trust that "behold he (our righteous Moshiach) is coming."
This should be accompanied with enhanced preparation for his arrival by way of teshuvah [repentance, return] and observance of Torah and mitzvos. In the words of the pronouncement of my sainted father-in-law - the leader of our generation: "immediate Teshuvah, immediate Redemption."
"Return, O, Israel, unto G-d your G-d; prepare yourselves and your family to greet our righteous Moshiach, who shall arrive soon, in the most literal sense."
(From the talks of Shabbos Parshas Vayechi (and Asara b'Teves, may it be transformed into joy) 5751)
11. Yechezkal 24:2.
12. Yalkut Shimoni, Yeshayahu 499.
13. This includes the efforts of the Babylonian King, who is merely an ax in the hands of the one who chops with it. [i.e. He is G-d's instrument.]
[The phrase ohkpub lnux - "supports the falling" - is similar to the expression mentioned before - kcc lkn lnx - the Babylonian King besieged," which the Rebbe interpreted in a positive vein to mean that "he supported." Translator's note.]
15. Shir HaShirim 2:8. See Shir HaShirim Rabbah on this verse (2:8(b)).
16. In his Igros Kodesh, vol. 5, end of p. 361 ff., 377 ff., 408 ff. and in other places.
17. Hayom Yom - 15 Teves.
