That was the origin of every single neshomo, and – if asked – any neshomo would certainly declare that it was much better off then.
So, why the misery? Why the deep descent, into this den of despair? Why couldn’t each neshomo remain where it was comfortable and satisfied, instead of being flung mercilessly into this depressing darkness?
The answer – as the Rebbe clarified (to the members of the Heavenly court, and, through Rabbi Geisinski, to all of us) - is that the Rebbe needs shluchim to finish off the job of bringing Moshiach. This mission is so vital, this goal so crucial, that it justifies the presence of a neshomo that is “chelek Eloka mimaal mamosh” in these quarters where it must be so out of place.
And this should really help us keep matters in their proper perspective. It’s not that we are people, Chassidim, Lubavitchers, who also have a mivtza to bring Moshiach. Not even, can we say, that that is the most important mivtza. Rather, this achievement is the sole reason for our existence, the only justification for our presence here.
As we say in French, it is our raison d’être, the reason we exist. This should have much impact on our decisions in life, and on our entire outlook. Whenever we encounter a conflict between the things that we want to do or that we think we’ll enjoy doing or that we think will benefit us versus the things we might do to speed up the coming of Moshiach, we may have to struggle to make the right decision. But if we recognize that we are only here for one reason – and not “here” as in a place, but here as in existence – then it goes without saying that nothing but nothing can outweigh that.
In davening, we say יוצר משרתים ואשר משרתיו, - “He creates malochim, and there are malochim”. I know, you may be thinking ‘they don’t go together like that. Instead, יוצר משרתים is the conclusion of the previous phrase, and ואשר משרתיו is the beginning of a new phrase. But the Rebbeim said it as above.
Chassidus explains that the phrase is referring to 2 different types of angels: One kind of angel is created solely to praise Hashem once. They come into being, they praise their Creator, and they expire. Regarding those malochim we say יוצר משרתים, - He creates servants, in the present tense, because He is constantly creating new ones, to replace the ones that just expired.
The other malochim - “there are malochim” – exist for lengthier periods. But the definition of their existence is not different; it is merely the nature of their specific mission that differs. Just as with the first category of angels, there is nothing in their existence, nothing that takes place in their life, except the one single whole-hearted praise of Hashem, so too it is with those who enjoy more longevity, - there is still nothing that their lives consist of except praising their Creator (as is described in detail in the continuation of birkos Krias Shma).
One of the things we should be contemplating at this part of davening, perhaps, is how we, too, are supposed to see ourselves in a similar light. While we all hope for and daven for – and the Eibishter should provide for every single Jew in the most generous manner – many long happy and healthy years, nevertheless we should not let us distract us from the reality that we are here and we exist for one sole purpose. Our purpose is to conclude this vital task of bringing about the final revelation of Moshiach. Anything else in our lives is only there because it assists us somehow in achieving this goal.
However, in contrast to the abovementioned malochim, this itself is the strongest reason for us to continue to enjoy long, healthy and prosperous lives, for these are crucial to our goal (as is illustrated in the story). But for ourselves, we have to keep focused on why our neshomos are in this world rather than being entertained in a celestial party, and not allow ourselves to be distracted by – in the famous words of the Rambam – the חשבונות הרבים שבקשו בני האדם. And in any instance of conflict or doubt, this realization should make our decision clearer and easier.
As Chassidim worldwide struggle to determine what exactly should be our hachanos for the upcoming gimmel Tamuz, what exact areas each of us should increase in, in Torah, Avodah and Gmach etc., we should bear in mind that our preparations should also include working on acquiring the mindset and perspective that the Rebbe expects of us. The Rebbe wants us to know and recognize that each and every one of us is a shliach who’s sole purpose is the completion of the mission of the revelation of Moshiach and ending the dira lo yisborach batachtonim! If not for that, we’d have “better” places where we could be. The better we implant this mindset into our consciousness, the more we can be sure of remaining true to our path without deviating in any direction ch”v.
By remembering why we’re here and remaining constantly focused on the mission that we were entrusted with, we are making the best preparation for Gimmel Tamuz; - a preparation for experiencing Gimmel Tamuz together with the Rebbe down here in a visible way, celebrating the final completion of our mission with the complete revelation of Moshiach Tzidkeinu!
L’chaim! May we all remember the purpose for which we exist and remain single-mindedly dedicated to carrying it out, and may the Eibishter in turn do His part to bring this long-lasting mission to a final and joyous conclusion, with the immediate hisgalus of Melech haMoshiach TUMYM!!!
Rabbi Akiva Wagner
לזכות 'ר שלום מרדכי הלוי בן ,רבקה לגאולה וישועה קרובה ,ושלימה י"תומ ממש בטוהנוהנ
