Compiled by:
Rabbi Avrohom Richter
No. 270
Parshat Noach
Cheshvan 5, 5760 * October 15, 1999
In this weeks Torah portion, the Torah relays the story of Noach and his Ark. After the great flood, G-d commanded Noach to leave the Ark and return to land. The Lubavitcher Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Shlita explains (Likkutei Sichos vol. 25 Noach 3): In the Ark a great miracle occurred. All the wild beast lived together in unity. This was a taste of the time to come, of which it is said that 'the lion will lie with the lamb.' It was for this reason that Noach desired to stay in the Ark. However, G-d told him that he must leave and return to land.
The purpose of creation was to make a dwelling place for G-d here in this world. Therefore, there was no point for Noach to remain in the walls of his Ark living such a life, for G-d desires to dwell throughout the entire world. It is for this reason that he commanded Noach to leave the Ark and be fruitful and multiply - to bring the life he lived in the Ark to the entire world. May this take place immediately.
Take this into account, and you will come to the following conclusion. We find in the Prophets and in the words of our sages many terrible calamities that would come upon the Jewish Nation throughout exile. If G-d was sure to fulfill these 'bad' prophecies, surely, there is no doubt in our mind that G-d will fulfill all the prophecies of redemption in the highest form possible, and He will take us immediately to the land of Israel with our redeemer, Moshiach.
(Tikvas HaGeulah Ch. 2)
The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, once said. "We are standing close to the top of mountain. There is only a small amount left to go. Moshiach is standing beyond the door, and he who has good hearing can already hear him and see him. It is known that before the light of day, sleep intensifies. We must stay strong and not give into sleep, in order that we be vessels that can accept the light of day. Every Jew must know this and when he meets a fellow Jew he must tell him 'listen my brother - do not fall asleep before the light of day.'"
(Sefer HaSichos 5689)
You've Written Before
Amongst the many wonders of the Rebbe, is his amazing capability to give his full attention to each and every Jewish soul. This story, which you yourself can witness on video, demonstrates just that.
A United States soldier visited the Rebbe one sunday as the Rebbe stood on line handing out dollars to give to charity. After mentioning his request to the Rebbe and stating his name, the Rebbe remarked "You have written to me once before." The Soldier answered in the negative, explaining that he actually hasn't written the Rebbe before. However, the Rebbe just repeated his original statement. "No, you have written to me before." Again the soldier was at a loss. Until the Rebbe explained him "I don't mean recently, I am referring to a letter of yours from some five years back. With an astonished face, the soldier agreed to the Rebbe, reminding himself of what he had long forgotten.
A similar story once occurred with a soldier who visited the Rebbe in Yechidus [private audience]. After placing his request on paper, the Rebbe mentioned that he recognized his handwriting, and it must be that he (the soldier) had once before written to the Rebbe. Replying in the negative, the Rebbe opened his desk drawer and removed a letter. When the soldier examined the letter he was shocked to discover that it was indeed his handwriting. However, the signature affixed on the bottom was not his, rather his friends!
It was then that he remembered that years before his injured friend wanted to send a letter to the Rebbe, but was unable to write due to an injury. His friend in turn asked him to write it, and that he would sign it. And that is exactly what was done.
This soldier indeed was amazed by the Rebbe's memory, as well as the fact that of all the letters the Rebbe received throughout the years the Rebbe chose to keep that specific one.
Only One Request
A person passed by the Rebbe and said that he has only one request - that Moshiach should come.
The Rebbe: This is the first time meeting a Jew whose only request is that Moshiach should come
(Av 21, 5750)
(adapted from "And he will redeem us")
Copyright © 1999
For your comments and suggestions, write to:
Editor of
"Inyaney Moshiach"
Back to "Inyaney Moshiach" Home Page