BESURAS HAGEULO
The Announcement Of The Redemption
The connection between Ahavas Yisroel and the future Redemption can be emphasized yet again, not only because the negation of exile comes through the negation of the cause of exile (which comes through the opposite of Ahavas Yisroel). For in our situation, after the completion of our actions and Divine service throughout the time of exile, and after the completion of all forty-two journey in the "wilderness of the nations," [when] we find ourselves already "by the Jordan near Jericho" (the stage of Moshiach who "smells and judges"), on the threshold of Redemption, certainly the reason for exile has already been corrected. Therefore, the emphasis on Ahavas Yisroel anticipates the beginning of the true and complete Redemption, which is connected with the point of unity above any division. This emphasis on the unity of the Jewish people is a result of the aspect of yechida (the fifth level [of the soul]) that is in all Jews equally. For this is a spark of the soul of Moshiach, the general yechida.
- See Yoma 9b.
- See Likkutei Torah of our Parsha 88:c and further.
- Our Parsha 33:48.
- Sanhedrin 93b. See Likkutei Torah of our Parsha 89b.
- [Literally, "like a taste." Translator's note.] [There are five levels to the soul. The fifth and highest level, "yechida," which means unity or singularity, is the "actual part of G-d Above" within every Jew. Translator's note.]
- Remaz to the Zohar, vol. 2 40b. And to the Zohar, vol. 3 260b. And elsewhere.
- It is known that the verse "A star shall go forth from Yaakov" refers to king Moshiach. It also refers to each and every Jew who is compared to a star, since in each and every Jew is a spark of the soul of Moshiach. (See Likkutei Sichos vol. 2, p. 599. See there for further references.)
(From the talk of Shabbos Parshas Matos-Masai, 2 Menachem Av, 5751)
Through the descent – and only through the descent – the Jewish people ascend to a level higher than otherwise possible. The journeys through the desert – each of the forty-two encampments – were a descent leading to the ascent into the land of Israel. Our descent into exile will lead to an ascent into Redemption.
Thus, when we momentarily stumble – when something obstructs our observance or doubts hinder our devotion or our complacency impedes Moshiach – we should not despair. In our darkest moments, we must increase light and joy, that is, Torah and mitzvos. Moshiach’s delay is an “encampment” that should not discourage or depress us. Rather we should invest our anticipation, our joyful expectation with more enthusiasm and more vigor, knowing that we are in the final stage of our journeys toward Redemption.
(Based on Likkutei Sichos 23, pp. 224-228)
