Ikvata D'Meshicha

Ikvata D'Meshicha (the footsteps of Moshiach) is the end of the time of galus. This time period is defined in the Gemara Sotah as a time when the darkness of galus intensifies spiritually. Since it is the time when Moshiach needs to come, specifically during this time special powers are given to bring Moshiach.

The Darkness is Doubled and Redoubled

The Frierdiker Rebbe said that at the conclusion of night, in the final moments before dawn and sunrise, the desire for sleep intensifies greatly. We need to know that everything depends on the few moments at the end of the doubled and redoubled darkness of the night of galus: if during these few moments the situation is not as it should be - we are liable to lose, chas v'shalom, everything that was accomplished by being awake throughout the night; but if we hold strong not to fall asleep during these few moments - not only is the action of these few moments preserved completely, but also the actions that were accomplished throughout the entire night, both what we ourselves toiled for, and what we received through the toil of others.

And since there are still many concealments and hiddenness, and we are limited and defined by many boundaries - advice is given: simcha breaks through boundaries, meaning, any boundary whatsoever, simcha has the power to nullify and break through even this boundary. For a small boundary - a small simcha is sufficient, and as the boundary grows - there is a need for greater simcha.

Simcha in Ikvata D'Meshicha to Bring Moshiach

The way to bring Moshiach is through increasing in simcha, pure simcha, simcha that will immediately bring Moshiach Tzidkeinu. And even though when we find ourselves in the doubled and redoubled darkness of galus, when all of the Jewish people are in galus, and the Shechinah is in galus, it is understood that due to the great pain of galus, pure simcha is not possible. But nevertheless, since ultimately we must bring Moshiach - we have no choice but to bring Moshiach through simcha, pure simcha.

And regarding the difficulty of creating a feeling of pure simcha in the darkness of galus - since we must bring Moshiach Tzidkeinu, we must say that at the very end of the time of galus - special powers are given that enable pure simcha to exist, and the explanation is - that this simcha is created through contemplating that immediately Moshiach Tzidkeinu is coming, when there will be complete simcha throughout the world, and therefore, there is already a feeling of pure simcha (a taste and example of the simcha of geulah).

The Rebbe said these things, concluding with a special call: And the main thing - that instead of lengthy talk and debate they should begin with actual deed: to go out with a call and proclamation about a special increase in simcha in order to bring Moshiach, and certainly through this they will bring Moshiach in actual reality, and with the greatest speed in the blink of an eye, and on the contrary - let them try and see!

Chutzpah Yisgei

In the Gemara it is written that in Ikvata D'Meshicha chutzpah will increase. The Rebbe said that while it is necessary that chutzpah will increase, it is our obligation to utilize this power for chutzpah yisgei of kedushah.

Also regarding what is said "and youths will embarrass the face of elders," the Rebbe said that we should utilize this power for kedushah, and to strengthen ourselves in kedushah in a way that the elevation of the youth will be in such an astonishing manner that automatically the face of the elders will whiten and this will also inspire them.

Klipas Amalek

Klipas Amalek in Ikvata D'Meshicha is more difficult. While in all times it was revealed, today it does not fight directly against Torah and mitzvos, but rather begins to cool the person, from the expression "asher karcha baderech" (who chilled you on the way).

This is like Amalek during the forty years in the desert - at first he fought openly and afterward disguised himself as a Canaanite - so too here - in all generations he fought openly, and in the time of Ikvata D'Meshicha he disguises himself.

And when the memory of "Amalek who is within you" will be erased - Hashem's throne will be complete - and the geulah will come.

See also

• Yemos Hamoshiach

External Links

• Rabbi Zalman Notik, On the Heel and on Ikvata D'Meshicha