We have already mentioned many times that according to all the signs of our Sages regarding the end of days (in addition to the general statement in the times of the Gemara that "all the appointed times have passed"), this generation is the last of exile and the first generation of Redemption. My sainted father-in-law, the Rebbe, the leader of our generation, testified accordingly - in connection with his well-known announcement "immediate Teshuvah, immediate Redemption" - that in his days, (decades ago) all the aspects of service were completed, the only requirement being to "polish the buttons" and to stand ready to greet our righteous Moshiach.
How much more must this be the case after the increased efforts to spread Torah and Judaism and the wellsprings of Chassidus outward from then until now; especially since after forty years (from his elevation) "a person reaches the level of understanding of his teacher," "A heart to know and eyes to see and ears to hear."
Thus it is absolutely certain that the service of "polishing the buttons" has also been concluded, and we are standing ready to greet our righteous Moshiach.
References
1. Sanhedrin 97:2
2. "Kol Koray" in the HaKriah VeHaKedusha [Reading and Holiness] of the years 5701-03 [1940-1943] (his Igros Kodesh volume 5, page 361 and following. 377 and following. 408 and following. Volume 6, page 430 and following). And elsewhere. [The phrase literally means, "Immediately to Return (or Repentance), immediately to Redemption. Translator's note.]
3. See the talks of Simchas Torah 5689 [1929].
4. See HaYom Yom 15 Teves, And in several places.
5. [The Rebbe is writing in the fortieth year after the passing of the Previous Rebbe. Traditionally, the departure of a tzadik from this world is referred to as an "elevation," meaning that he has reached a higher level of spirituality and inferring that his physical life in this world was also essentially spiritual. Translator's note.]
6. Avodah Zarah 5, beginning of side b.
7. Tavo 29:3.
