In 5710 (1950) the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, had written a four-part Chasidic discourse based on the verse from Song of Songs, “Basi L'Gani - I have come into My garden, My sister, My bride.” The Previous Rebbe directed that the first part be released in advance of and to be studied on the tenth of Shevat. That day marked the anniversary of the passing of his grandmother, Rebbetzin Rivkah, wife of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe.
It came to pass, however, that the tenth of Shevat was the date of the Previous Rebbe's own passing.
As “all the effort of a person for which his soul toiled during his life...becomes revealed...at the time of his passing,” it is clear that this series of discourses summarizes the parting message of the Previous Rebbe. In fact, the Rebbe later stated that the Previous Rebbe released the discourse for his own passing.
On the tenth of Shevat, one year after the Previous Rebbe's passing, the Rebbe expounded upon the discourse in his own, first public discourse. This marked the Rebbe's formal acceptance of and ascendancy to leadership.
Just as the original discourse was a summarization of the Previous Rebbe's life work, the Rebbe's explanation of the discourse was a preamble of what would be his mission and the mission of our entire generation:
“We are now very near the approaching footsteps of Moshiach, indeed, we are at the conclusion of this period, and our spiritual task is to complete the process of drawing down the Shechina (Divine Presence)-moreover, the essence of the Shechina-within specifically our lowly world.”
The drawing down of the Shechina into this world will culminate at the time of the Redemption. Our task, as outlined by the Rebbe in that first discourse and from then on, is to enhance our observance of mitzvot-especially acts of “Ahavas Yisroel” love for another Jew, increase our study of Torah, and prepare in all ways possible to greet Moshiach, may it happen immediately.
