Editing Avodat HaGalut (section)

==== Teshuvah (Repentance) ====
It is stated in the Gemara "All the predestined dates [for redemption] have passed, and the matter depends only on teshuvah." And so the Rambam ruled "The Torah has promised that Israel will ultimately repent at the end of their exile, and immediately they will be redeemed."

In Chassidus, the reason why the work of teshuvah is necessary before the redemption is explained: a. Because in the future, evil will be nullified, and therefore there is a need to nullify evil from the human perspective. b. Because through teshuvah, we draw down the unlimited divine light that will be revealed in the redemption.

The reason why specifically teshuvah brings about the revelation of the redemption, and good deeds alone are not sufficient - is because teshuvah involves transforming evil into good. And specifically in transforming evil to good there is innovation that doesn't exist in regular service - like the metaphor of a talking bird, which brings greater pleasure than a person who speaks. And precisely this innovation will bring about the revelation of the great pleasure that will be revealed in the future.