From the time of the Baal Shem Tov, it has been our charge to bring Chassidus to the furthest reach possible. As Moshiach himself famously promised the Baal Shem Tov—he will arrive when the wellsprings of Chassidus spread forth to “chutza”. (outward)
Once, during a farbrengen, the Rebbe explained the contents of a letter of the Previous Rebbe which discusses the importance of teaching and listening to chassidus. The Rebbe highlighted the words used by the Previous Rebbe: מאיר הארת נשמת בעל השמועה—that the soul of the Rebbe whose Chassidus you repeat actually shines within you. This is more than just the ordinary presence of a tzaddik brought about by repeating his Torah. When repeating words of Chassidus, a spark of the soul of the Rebbe shines within you in a p’nimiut manner (inwardly). This is accessible and applicable to each and every one who teaches Chassidus. No exceptions or limitations were put in place.
The Rebbe was always insistent that one choose maamarim (Chassidic discourses) that the crowd will be able to understand and appreciate.
At times, the Rebbe also suggested that the speaker should spice up his words and make it more interesting for the listeners: “I was very pleased by your proposal to send out the yeshiva students to the batei midrash (study halls) in your area and teach Chassidus or review part of a maamar [for the crowd there]. It would be appropriate to do so in a manner that the listeners can understand, and more so, let them whet the interest of the listeners by beginning with a story or the like (taken from the sichot)...” In another letter the Rebbe responds to the question if it is proper to give over Chassidus in a manner that is similar to a speech. The Rebbe says that it is not only allowed; it is actually necessary!
On the 5th of Tevet, 5725 (1964), while the members of the yeshiva administration were in a yechidut (private audience with the Rebbe) the mashpia Reb Shmuel Levitin told the Rebbe that “the bochurim are doing hafatza (spreading chassidus).” The Rebbe responded, “you expect me to be satisfied with that? From the year 5715 (1955), the doors have been open for Moshiach’s arrival. Moshiach told the Baal Shem Tov he will come when the (wellsprings) are out in the chutza, but there’s no one to deal with this!”
Reb Shmuel told the Rebbe that there are hundreds of yungeleit (young men) at the Rebbe’s farbrengens (presumably in an attempt to suggest that the wellsprings are indeed getting out).
The Rebbe responded, “if those hundreds would go out afterwards and teach Chassidus in the shuls, then Moshiach would come. Every shul allows it—there is no more opposition. Even in the yeshivot they allow it! We need only to get out there and spread Chassidus to the furthest chutza! Then Moshiach will come and it will all be good...”
adapted from Derher
Tasting the Revelation
The Rebbe explains that through learning Chassidus, one can 'taste' the revelation of Hashem that will exist when Moshiach will come. Therefore, one should prepare for Moshiach through learning and feeling the light of Chassidus.
On another occasion, the Rebbe said that our avoda (service) today must be to see and feel the geulah (redemption) in the world. Therefore, we should learn Chassidus, and about the geulah, and in such a manner that it brings us to recognize the geulah.
reprinted from The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash, on-line at TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com
