Learning about geulah and moshiach

The Rebbe instructed Chassidim to study and teach parts of Torah connected to Moshiach and the complete redemption. This instruction received special emphasis in the Rebbe's talk on Shabbos Parshas Tazria-Metzora 5751, which followed the famous talk of 28 Nissan - where he stated that this study is the "direct path", the easiest and fastest among all Torah paths, to bring the redemption. In his talks, the Rebbe further explained that this study also creates a fundamental change in the person studying, helping them begin to "live" with matters of redemption, "open their eyes" and recognize that redemption is about to arrive at any moment.

Shiur B'inyonei Geulah U'Moshiach HaMerkazi in 770 (By Rabbi Liberow)

This directive of the Rebbe is widely implemented by Chassidim. Every Chabad community and yeshiva holds classes on redemption topics, in addition to study campaigns and seminars held periodically by many organizations. The directive has also led to an abundance of published books, newsletters and various publications - both scholarly and those intended for the general public - dealing with the teachings of redemption.

Background

After the famous talk the Rebbe gave on 28 Nissan 5751, where he demanded from Chassidim to do everything in their power to bring Moshiach - there was great awakening among the Chassidim. A group of student shluchim in Tomchei Tmimim New Haven decided to publish a booklet containing an 'index of topics' of the Rebbe's talks about redemption and Moshiach, to increase Torah study on redemption topics. This booklet was distributed among participants at an awakening gathering held at 770 by the World Headquarters for Bringing Moshiach on 4 Iyar. When the booklet was submitted to the Rebbe together with the report about the gathering, the Rebbe responded: "The booklet, letter, report and Pan were received, I will mention it at the Tzion."

The following Shabbos - Shabbos Parshas Tazria-Metzora, 6 Iyar - the Rebbe spoke at length about the virtue of studying Torah on the topic of Moshiach and redemption, stating that this study is the "direct path", the easiest and quickest among all Torah paths, to bring about the revelation and coming of Moshiach. The Rebbe requested to publicize everywhere the instruction - that every Jew should increase in studying matters of Moshiach and redemption.

In this talk, the Rebbe also referred - by hint - to the publication of the booklet, when he said "in our generation, when there are index books alphabetically organized for all sayings of our Sages etc. (which were added in recent generations and years) - it is easier to find the sayings of our Sages and discussions dealing with matters of Moshiach and redemption."

In light of the Rebbe's encouraging words, the Tmimim published a second edition of the booklet, which included in the preface the Rebbe's response to the first edition as well as excerpts from the talk about studying matters of redemption.

In the days following the talk, another initiative by yeshiva students began - the "World Circle", a study circle about redemption that would operate around the clock in all Chabad yeshivas worldwide, so that at every moment 24 hours a day there would be a class about redemption and Moshiach somewhere in the world. In response to the first report and announcement that the study shifts had begun, which was submitted to the Rebbe on "Tuesday of Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim 9 Iyar 5751" - the Rebbe circled the date and wrote "and the time is conducive for success also at this time, I will mention it at the Tzion." Later, on 28 Iyar, the Rebbe inquired with his secretary "Is the World Circle continuing?"

Related to the Rebbe's instruction, a special edition of the weekly Dvar Malchus pamphlet was published - which normally printed the Rebbe's latest talks each week - this special edition printed talks about redemption from Likkutei Sichos. This special booklet, 'Dvar Malchus 12', was distributed by the Rebbe to the public on 15 Iyar. This was the only time during his leadership that the Rebbe distributed a pamphlet on a regular weekday, without connection to any special occasion.

From this period onward, the Rebbe's talks at farbrengens were filled with matters about redemption, much more than before.

The Virtue of Learning Geulah and Moshiach

The Direct Path to Bringing Moshiach

On Shabbos Parshas Tazria-Metzora (6 Iyar) 5751, the Rebbe explained the first part of Mishna 1 in Chapter 2 of Pirkei Avos, which was studied that Shabbos according to custom: "Rebbi says: Which is the straight path that a person should choose? Whatever brings glory to the creator and glory from people."

The entire Jewish people are currently at the level of "Adam" - about which Chassidus explains that "Adam" is someone who has completed refining and purifying their essence and only has a small amount of external waste at the end of their garments. Since our generation has completed all the work of refining the world and preparing it for redemption, we are all at this level. In this state, the question arises: "Which is the straight path that a person should choose" - what is the 'straight path' for us to bring the redemption? And the answer is "whatever brings glory" - the straight path is through Torah study (since Torah corresponds in Chassidus to the attribute of Tiferes/glory).

The Rebbe added and connected this to the specific counting of that day (6 Iyar) in the Counting of the Omer - Malchus in Tiferes. This counting contains the hint that within Torah (Tiferes) itself we should focus on the "Malchus" aspect of it, matters of Moshiach and redemption.

Therefore, concluded the Rebbe - the straight path, the easiest and quickest of all Torah paths that this 'person' should choose - is studying Torah about King Moshiach and matters of redemption, with special significance when studying together with "ten Jews" - which adds heart feeling, yearning and anticipation for Moshiach's coming.

Living with Moshiach

A few weeks later - in the talk of Shabbos Parshas Balak (17 Tammuz) 5751 - the Rebbe added that in addition to studying matters of redemption being a 'straight path' to hasten the redemption, the study has an additional purpose - that everyone's conduct, in thought, speech and action, should be appropriate for the special time we are in, that "we stand on the threshold of redemption, and point with our finger that here Moshiach comes." When the student's mind is filled with knowledge about redemption, and he contemplates it, and brings the knowledge into feeling and then into actual practice - the study helps him live according to the time of redemption. Therefore, in addition to the study's effect as a segula to bring Moshiach, it is intended to affect the student himself, that he should begin to live with matters of redemption.

Receiving Moshiach

On Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah 5752, in a talk for the International Conference of Shluchim, the Rebbe announced that the only mission now placed on the Shluchim is receiving Moshiach. The practical meaning of the mission is that each Shliach's role is to prepare himself and the people of his city to receive Moshiach, and this is done by explaining to each person in a way that resonates with their intellect and understanding the concept of Moshiach, as explained in Torah.

Opening the Eyes

On Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei 5752, the Rebbe declared that everything is ready for redemption, and the only thing missing is for a Jew to "open his eyes" and see how everything is ready for redemption. This opening of eyes is accomplished through studying Chassidus and matters of redemption.

The Rebbe's Instructions About Study

The study should include all parts of Torah:

• Written Torah, especially the prophets who are "full of this matter"
• Oral Torah: Talmud, especially tractates about redemption in Sanhedrin and end of Sota - and Midrashim
• Especially the inner dimension of Torah, starting with the Zohar, and particularly the Chassidic teachings of our Rebbeim in general, and the discourses and Likkutei Sichos of the leader of our generation specifically
• The Rebbe said (in the talk of Shabbos Parshas Tazria-Metzora) that the study includes all types of Jews: men, women and even children. And among them - both Torah scholars and businesspeople
• The study is not in a way of "halacha for Moshiach's times" - as something distant, but rather as practical law for immediate implementation
• The completion and seal of our deeds and service indicates the beginning of the period of reward payment, and accordingly the study should be in a way of rest and settlement, joy and goodness of heart
• Additional excitement and joy in heart feeling, which brings increased longing and anticipation for Moshiach's coming, comes through studying with the public, with ten; therefore, even those who want to study in depth, with peace and composure of mind, through studying alone or with a study partner - should try from time to time to also participate in study with ten

Activities on the Topic

Since then, several organizations have taken upon themselves to intensively engage in public study of matters of redemption and Moshiach:

• In all Tomchei Tmimim yeshivas there is a daily study schedule, alongside in-depth classes about Moshiach and redemption
• Central Agudas Talmidei HaYeshivos - 770 conducts study campaigns about redemption and Moshiach before Chabad dates
• Moshiach Center (Israel) - organizes annual seminars on the teachings of redemption
• Mamash Distribution Center holds seminars on redemption teachings, alongside extensive book publishing about redemption and Moshiach

Books on geulah and Moshiach

Following the Rebbe's call, many books dedicated to studying matters of redemption and King Moshiach have been published over the years, here is a partial list:

• The Matter of Moshiach - Rabbi Sholom Dovber Wolf
• Dvar Malchus - Insights and Explanations on Rambam's Laws of Kings - Yechi HaMelech HaMoshiach Menachem Mendel Ozgovi
• Secrets of Redemption, Days of Moshiach - Rabbi Menachem Mendel Brod
• The Redemption - 2 volumes, published by Tzivos Hashem Israel
• The Era and Redemption - Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Meizlish
• Series on 'Topics in Redemption' - World Agudas Talmidei HaYeshivos • Shmuel Kastiel

See also

• Lichyot Geulah
  • Dvar Malchut Tazria Metzora
  • Besurat HaGeulah

External Links

• Women's podcast aims to make Geulah a reality (English)
  • Sichat HaDvar Malchut - Tazria Metzora 5751: Mugah (Leshon HaKodesh) • Text version • Bilti Mugah - Sicha and Journal
  • Vaad Chayalei Beit David, 'Leben Mit Moshiach' - Special collection about the importance of learning and enthusiasm in matters of Geulah and Moshiach; within the Geulah and Moshiach archive
  • Rabbi Chaim Yosef Ginzburg, Lecture on "Dvar Malchut" for Parshat Tazria
  • Avraham Reinitz, Shiurei HaMahapecha, in Beit Moshiach weekly magazine, 23 Tammuz 5778
  • Rabbi Marlow: How is it possible there's no enthusiasm in Geulah and Moshiach classes?, at the gathering of the World Headquarters to Bring Moshiach, 6 Tammuz 5751
  • Learning matters of Geulah and Moshiach MoshiachCast program about Dvar Malchut Tazria Metzora
  • 'The Aleph': New initiative for Moshiach education launched for Chabad Houses (English)