Introduction
The exposition to follow differs from most presented thus far in this series. In contrast to the majority of the others, it is adapted from a maamar (mystical discourse) rather than a sichah (talk). In sichos, the Rebbe typically addresses practical applications of Torah concepts in a more conversational style. In maamarim, by contrast, he delves deeply into the mystical infrastructure of existence, exploring the cosmic patterns that govern our reality through a deeper, more spiritually-oriented approach.
As he explains in the adaptation to follow, the Jewish people’s path to redemption mirrors profound cosmic rhythms. This maamar charts the personal and more encompassing patterns that reflect the interplay of these rhythms. More particularly, it focuses on the contrasting dynamics of Nissan and Tishrei – two pivotal months in the Jewish calendar – showing how they represent fundamental spiritual motifs that lead to redemption in both the individual and collective spheres.
The Interplay of Masculine and Feminine Energies
Focusing on an enigmatic quote from our Sages, “If the man emits seed first, [his wife] will give birth to a female; if the woman emits seed first, she will give birth to a male,” the Rebbe explores the interplay between masculine and feminine forces. On the physical plane, the initiator is the one who determines the outcome. Similarly, regarding the relationship between a person (in the metaphor, the female) and G-d (likened to the male because He is the Ultimate Source of positive initiative), whether inspiration comes from Above or begins through effort below leads to varying spiritual outcomes.
When Divine inspiration first comes from Above – when G-d generates a spiritual arousal on His initiative – the person is not prepared adequately to receive it. Therefore, even when inspired, the effect will not be lasting. True, this approach accesses an exceptionally lofty light, but since there was no preparation, this light will not be internalized. However, when a person prepares first (metaphorically, the woman emitting seed first), although that person may not access such a lofty level of Divine light, the effect endures.
This is the usual pattern. However, joy (simchah) has the power to upset this order. Joy breaks through all limitations, enabling even an unprepared person to accept and internalize lofty revelations. Through joy in Divine service, even inspiration that comes from Above can have a strong, lasting effect, despite the absence of preparatory work.
We find a somewhat similar motif characterizing the Ultimate Future. At that time, there will be a revelation of G-d’s Essence, which transcends all limitations. Although this revelation will come from Above – for no Divine service on man’s part can fully prepare for it – it will nonetheless have a lasting effect because of its unlimited nature.
From Above and From Below
After focusing on the interplay of the patterns of revelation from Above and elevation from below in the personal sphere, the Rebbe proceeds to illustrate how these motifs are reflected in the Jewish calendar, focusing specifically on two months of fundamental importance, Nissan and Tishrei.
Nissan embodies the pattern of revelation from Above, when Divine light descends regardless of our readiness – like the redemption from Egypt that took place in that month despite the Jews being utterly unprepared for it. On the contrary, they had sunk into the forty-nine gates of impurity. Redeeming them despite this state reflected the Divine attribute of chesed (kindness), which generates an unlimited flow of goodness regardless of the nature of the recipient.
Tishrei, by contrast, represents our ascent from below. Therefore, it is the month of judgment when our fortunes in the coming year are evaluated according to our Divine service. Thus, it is the month of teshuvah, the path of Divine service that demands focus on our inner core. As such, it is characterized by the Divine attribute of gevurah (might), which involves turning inward and then, using the energy generated to elevate the material realm in which we live.
This distinction explains why we pray for dew in Nissan and for rain in Tishrei. Dew descends without being dependent on human effort and is never withheld, regardless of our spiritual state. Rain, however, is elicited through our Divine service; if that service is lacking, rain will not descend.
The Exodus: Fusing Both Motifs
The first redemption from Egypt unfolded in stages that reflected these cosmic patterns. The Jews’ forced labor ceased in Tishrei, representing the initial elevation achieved through their own suffering and service. The actual liberation from Egypt came in Nissan, when “the Holy One, blessed be He, revealed Himself to them.” This Divine initiative took them out of all the limitations of Egypt.
Even then, the redemption was not totally complete until the Giving of the Torah fifty days later – a third stage that represented the revelation of G-d’s Essence. This final stage made it possible for finite created beings to establish an ongoing connection with the infinite Divine Essence through the observance of Torah and its mitzvos.
Looking to the Ultimate Dawn
Our Sages debate: Will the Future Redemption come in – i.e., follow the pattern of – Nissan or Tishrei? Will it come through our own efforts of teshuvah (repentance), or through an unconditional Divine revelation from Above?
The maamar resolves this tension by revealing how the Future Redemption will harmonize both approaches. Though it will ultimately come through Divine initiative (following the pattern of Nissan), our collective spiritual work over the generations (the motif of Tishrei) will have created the setting to fully internalize this transcendent light. In this perfect synthesis, the revelation from Above will be fully integrated within creation – offering us a blueprint that shows how we can balance our receptivity to Divine inspiration with the active work of personal transformation.
This synthesized approach fulfills the prophetic verse, “This man and that man was born in her,” indicating that in the Ultimate Future, even revelation that comes from Above (man emitting seed first) will produce a strong, lasting, internalized effect (giving birth to a male) because of the preparatory work accomplished through our Divine service throughout history.
