BESURAS HAGEULO:

Chapter 36

The relationship of our time to Redemption is based not only on the fact that " I await his coming every day"^[1] and especially after "all the deadlines have passed"^[2] and all the efforts have been completed (as was discussed several times), but also on the fact that we are now in a special year whose initials represent: "It will be a year of wonders I shall show him," for "as in the days of your departure from Egypt, I will show him wonders."

Indeed, we have actually seen many "wonders." The most notable among them has been the liberation of our brethren from that regime [the former Soviet Union], where many of them have emerged from distress to freedom, in both the literal sense of the word as well as (and primarily) with respect to the freedom granted them to live a Jewish life based on Torah and Mitzvos. In the last few days the convention of Chabad emissaries from many countries convened in that country, and its effects are continuing through these days. The convention took place in the country where the city of Lubavitch is situated, as well as other cities where the Chabad Rebbes were active for many generations, such as Liadi, Liozna, Rostov and Petersburg. The emissaries of the leader of Chabad of our generation, my sainted father-in-law, gathered in the capital, Moscow, with the intention of increasing - with more vigor - the dissemination of Torah and the wellsprings of Torah (Chabad Chassidic teaching) to the farthest reaches. It is this process that will bring the King Moshiach.^[3]

It is already Rosh Chodesh Elul, the month of reckoning for the entire year. The sum total of this accounting is: "How much longer!?...

How can it be that at the conclusion of eleven months of the year "I will show him wonders," our righteous Moshiach has still not come?!...

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Translating the above in practical terms:

In every place, one should publicize and draw people's attention to the specific efforts which are associated with the month of Elul and are alluded to in the initials of five verses which form the word Elul. These verses are references to: Torah, prayer, acts of loving kindness, Teshuvah (repentance or return) and Redemption. Special emphasis should be placed on the fifth acronym, the theme of Redemption, as it permeates all other areas of Divine service, so that everything is done in the spirit of Redemption. This includes particularly Torah studies in matters concerning Redemption and the Holy Temple. All of this should be permeated with the eager anticipation and the certain conviction that imminently we will see with eyes of flesh that "Behold he (the King Moshiach) is coming."^[4]

In simple terms:

It should be announced and publicized in all places - with heartfelt words - that G-d says through His servants, the prophets, to each and every Jew: "Behold I am placing before you today a blessing," so much so, that literally today we will see with eyes of flesh the blessing of the true and complete Redemption.

[This announcement must be made even by those who argue that they have not completely absorbed its full meaning. Since their faith is intact, they are able to (and consequently, required to) publicize these matters to others, first and foremost their own family members. (Certainly they don't need to "suffer" from his lack of comprehension of this matter.) They should also spread the word to all those within their environment and ultimately to each and every Jew. Undoubtedly, the appropriate effort will be well received and it will have its intended effect on others, as well as inspiring the one making the announcement and doing the publicity, that he too should internalize the message.]

(From the talk of Shabbos Parshas R'eh,
first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, 5751)

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1. Text of "Ani Ma'amin" (published in several prayer books) - Based on the expression used in Chabakuk 2:3. Commentary on the Mishneh of the Rambam, Introduction to Chapter Chelek, 12th principle.

2. Talmudic expression - Sanhedrin 97b.

3. The well know epistle of the Ba'al Shem Tov - Published in Keser Shem Tov (Kehot edition), in the beginning, and in several other sources.

4. Shir HaShirim 2:8. Shir HaShirim Rabbah on this verse.