As we get closer to the day of Gimmel Tamuz, every single chosid is focused on the date and its’ meaning to us. In whatever way it is expressed, all of us are unquestioning in our assertion that it’s been 20 years too long, that we need to see the Rebbe amongst us once again, and we are each determined to do whatever it takes to bring that about.
For months there have been mivtzahs and projects and programs. The world has been presented with 3 new books to familiarize it with the Rebbe, along with the ensuing critique. From cheder children to Yeshiva bochurim to grandparents, everyone has been diligently doing their part.
But, we have to make sure that we know how we’ll be greeting the Rebbe, and how we should expect him to be greeting us. Because, it is reasonable to assume that The Rebbe will want to carry on the conversation where it has left off. 20 years may have passed in between, but the earlier conversations are still viable and demanding, and we will need to give an accounting about what has been done about them.
So the Rebbe may grasp our hands, and with a warm smile say: “Nu, so what’s happening with ahavas Yisroel? Just over 22 years ago, when we last met, at our last get-together (during the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Vayakhel 5752) the discussion was about ahavas Yisroel. You may have forgotten, but I still remember; I’m still in the middle of that conversation. How much have you progressed? What is being done about it?”
Or the Rebbe may prolong the warm handshake, and – while looking at us pointedly – say: “Nu, so what’s with saying brochos with more kavonoh, or with learning the weekly maamorim of Torah Ohr and Likutei Torah? What has been done and is being done about all the matters that we have spoken about 22 years ago? Those conversations are still viable and current!”
And most importantly, the Rebbe may greet us with fatherly love, but say to us: “Nu, what’s happening with getting yourself and the world ready for Moshiach? The last times that we met, 21 years ago, I strongly and repeatedly encouraged your involvement in Moshiach, to the point of ‘being crazy about Moshiach’. That conversation is ongoing, and more pressing than ever. What have you done and are you doing about it today?”
So, as we await our becoming reunited with the Rebbe, We have to be ready with our responses; - to keep the conversation going and alive. Simply stated, know, and familiarize yourself with the things that the Rebbe spoke with us about, especially those last 2 years. And be ready to resume those conversations.
