As a fundamental part of Jewish belief in the coming of Moshiach and anticipation for it, all of Israel bears the obligation and responsibility to act through their deeds and service to bring Moshiach, and they have the power to succeed and indeed bring the true and complete redemption.

The responsibility of every Jew to bring Moshiach - which has existed throughout all the years of exile - is especially strengthened in the current generation, the final generation of exile, and especially towards its conclusion. An important turning point in this responsibility came with the famous sicha that the Rebbe delivered on 28 Nissan 5751 (1991), in which he transferred this responsibility to each and every individual.

The Essence of the Work

Expanded topic – The Work of Exile

The inner purpose of exile is that through the descent into it and overcoming the difficulties and tests in divine service, the Jewish people will reveal a higher divine light, thereby bringing the true and complete redemption. Therefore, in truth - all the work of the Jewish people in exile is directed toward this goal, bringing Moshiach.

The Personal Action of Every Jew

Notice for an emergency gathering to bring Moshiach that took place in Kfar Chabad following the famous sicha

The work to bring Moshiach is the service of each and every Jew. Although the leader of the generation can accomplish this through his own powers, nevertheless, he involves all the people of the generation in this work.

The service of a Jew accomplishes not only the bringing of Moshiach but all the wonderful revelations that will exist in the redemption - including those that in themselves are beyond any connection with created beings and their service.

When Moshiach comes, he will thank every Jew for their work and actions during exile for bringing the redemption.

The Power of Every Jew to Bring Moshiach

The Rambam rules:

"Every person should see himself throughout the entire year as if he is half meritorious and half guilty; and likewise the entire world, half meritorious and half guilty... If one performs a single mitzvah - he has tipped the scale for himself and for the entire world to the side of merit, and caused salvation and deliverance for them."

The Rebbe quoted these words of the Rambam in his sichos countless times and explained them. The Rebbe explains the power that every Jew has through one action to bring Moshiach, since through this action he reveals the essence of his soul - the level of yechidah, and to this applies the principle that "when you grasp part of the essence, you grasp it entirely"; thus it is clear that this revelation brings about the general revelation of the essence in the redemption; and furthermore, the question arises in the opposite direction - how is it possible that after such a revelation of the essence, the redemption has still not come?

In another place, the Rebbe compares this to an atomic bomb, which even a small person who does not understand and know its nature can activate, and in one moment cause destruction throughout the world - and the measure of goodness is greater, from which one can understand with human intellect (and not just with faith) how one action of a Jew can bring redemption to the entire world.

In our generation, which is the generation of the footsteps of Moshiach and the lowest among all those that preceded it - the question may arise even more strongly: how can such a lowly generation bring Moshiach? To this, the Rebbe explains that this is like the parable of a dwarf on the shoulders of a giant - although the dwarf sees for a short distance, much less than the giant, nevertheless when standing on the giant's shoulders he can see farther, even more than the giant. Similarly, in our generation, the powers that were generated through the service of all previous generations accumulate, and one action from our generation is sufficient to bring Moshiach.

Another point the Rebbe notes is that precisely because we are the lowest generation, we have the power to elevate all the generations before us, since through the elevation of the lowest, all the parts above are automatically elevated.

Responsibility of Every Jew to Bring Moshiach

A sign from a Moshiach publicity campaign, calling on Jews to act to bring Moshiach

In addition to the fact that every individual has the power to bring Moshiach, they must know that this is their responsibility, and not place the work on others; similarly, they should focus on their own personal work, in the situation in which they find themselves, and not think about what they could have done if they were in a different place or situation - since specifically by transforming their personal matters into redemption, they will bring about the general redemption.

This responsibility increases as we get closer to the redemption. A special and significant turning point occurred when the Rebbe delivered the famous sicha on 28 Nissan 5751 (1991), in which he transferred the responsibility of bringing Moshiach to the Chassidim, saying: "Do everything in your power - matters that are in the manner of 'lights of Tohu,' but in 'vessels of Tikun' - to bring Moshiach Tzidkeinu immediately and literally now! ... I have done my part, and from now on, you do everything in your power."

In several sichos, the Rebbe sharply addressed the approach that supposedly there is no need to act to bring Moshiach - since this is Hashem's role and therefore His "calculation," and there is no halachic requirement for a Jew to act with the goal of bringing Moshiach. The Rebbe referred to this as galut-thinking of a Jew immersed in himself and fulfilling his own desires, and this is the reason he does not care that the Shechinah and the Jewish people are in exile, and must leave this situation as quickly as possible.

The Rebbe emphasized that this work of bringing Moshiach does not contradict the prohibition of Chazal "not to force the end" - because it does not involve actions such as adjuring angels and the like, but rather adding to the observance of Torah and mitzvot, just with the intention to hasten the redemption.

Matters of Service in Exile that Draw Down Revelations in the Redemption

In the Tanya, it is explained:

"The ultimate perfection of the Messianic Era and the Resurrection of the Dead, which is the revelation of the Infinite Light in this physical world, depends on our actions and service throughout the period of exile" — Tanya, beginning of Chapter 37

Based on this foundation, the Rebbe explains many times that every revelation that will occur in the future is drawn down through similar service in the present time. For example:

Through studying Chassidus with understanding and comprehension, as well as through self-sacrifice that transcends understanding - we draw down the revelations that Melech HaMoshiach will reveal as both "teacher" and "king". Through self-nullification, acceptance of the yoke, and self-sacrifice in our service during exile, in a manner where the service is not from the person's understanding and existence but from the Godliness - we cause the future revelations to be in a manner of limitlessness while still penetrating the physical flesh and body
Through service in two directions - from below to above and from above to below (expressed in services of: prayer and Torah, Written Torah and Oral Torah, and more) - we draw down the revelation that will be in the future "And I will make your windows of kadkod (precious stones)".
Through fulfilling mitzvot with actual deed, and the service of accepting the yoke, we draw down the revelation that will be in the future "deed is greater".
Through revealing the Yechidah as possible now, we draw down the revelation of the general Yechidah that will be complete in the future.
Through offering the sacrifices of Sukkot in the Beit HaMikdash (and reciting the corresponding verses during exile), which correspond to the nations of the world - we draw down the revelation that will be in the future "And kings shall be your nurturers".

Matters That Are Conducive to Bringing Moshiach

Although every aspect of Torah and mitzvot hastens the Redemption, there are certain matters which are explained to have a special power to bring Moshiach. In general, among all Torah subjects, those directly connected to Redemption stand out in that they hasten the Redemption even more.

Below are some of the matters that are explained to hasten the Redemption:

Anticipating and Demanding the Redemption

Expanded topics – Anticipation of Redemption, Until When

Many times the Rebbe emphasized the importance of anticipating the Redemption and demanding it, and quoted the words of the Chida regarding how anticipation and requesting the Redemption have the power to bring it:

They said in the Yalkut... even if Israel has nothing but hope, they are worthy of Redemption as reward for their hope... And with this, the great Rabbi Yosef David of blessed memory explained... the wording of the blessing "May You speedily cause the offspring of David Your servant to flourish, and enhance his pride through Your salvation, for we hope for Your salvation all day long." The phrase "for we hope for Your salvation" is not understood: What reason does it give? If by law - we would merit without hope, and if not - what good is hope? But according to what was said, it is well understood, and this is its interpretation: May the offspring of David etc., and should you say that we have no merit, nevertheless cause it to flourish, for we hope for Your salvation, and we have hope, and as reward for our hope, it is fitting that You redeem us — Midbar Kedemot, section Kuf, letter 16

The Rebbe requested to publicize these words, as well as additional sources from great Jewish leaders about the power of requesting the Redemption and anticipating it; and he went so far as to express that the only thing being awaited is another cry, demand and request from a Jew saying "until when".

Living Redemption

Expanded article - Living Redemption

The Rebbe explained extensively several times that the way to bring the Redemption is through a person placing themselves even now - on the threshold of Redemption - in a state and feeling of Redemption. By doing so, one essentially introduces the Redemption into the exile, revealing that exile is only an illusion and that in its essence, it too is Redemption.

Torah Study

Regarding Torah study, the Rebbe expressed that it is the "direct path," "the easiest and quickest among all Torah paths," to bring about the revelation and coming of Moshiach. This is due to the special quality of Torah, which has the power to connect lights and vessels - which is the inner content of Redemption - and to prepare the way for Moshiach's role as teacher and king.

On that occasion, and on additional occasions, the Rebbe detailed certain parts of Torah about which it is explained that they have a special power to bring Redemption:

Study of Mishnayot: The Sages said, "All these exiles are gathered only by virtue of Mishnayot." The reason for the special quality of Mishnayot is because in the Mishnah part of Torah, the unity among all Israel is more emphasized, and therefore it nullifies the cause of exile - baseless hatred. In Chassidic teachings, the virtue of Mishnayot is explained in the inner dimensions - that they are related to the level of Chochmah (wisdom), which has the power to accomplish the work of refinement, and this work brings about the inner ingathering of exiles - the gathering of the sparks of holiness.
Study of the inner dimensions of Torah, especially the study of Chassidut: The virtue of studying the inner dimensions of Torah as a way to bring Redemption is already explained in the Zohar, where it says: "Through this composition of yours, which is the Book of Zohar... they will leave exile with mercy." Rabbi Chaim Vital also wrote strong words about the necessity to study the inner dimensions of Torah, emphasizing that refraining from this study delays the Redemption. In Chassidic teachings, the importance of this study for bringing the Redemption and as preparation for it is increasingly emphasized, with the additional clarification - that studying the inner dimensions of Torah in a way of understanding as required without concern, can only be done through Chabad Chassidut.
Study of matters of Redemption and Moshiach: The Rebbe specifically expressed that this study is the "direct path" to bringing Moshiach - especially when it is done publicly. The Rebbe asked to publicize these matters.
Study of Torah Or and Likkutei Torah: Through the decision to study all parts of these two books until their completion, we hasten the drawing down of the Redemption in actuality.
Creating new Torah insights: When a Jew creates new insights in Torah, he brings out a part of Torah that was until now concealed and reveals it; and by doing so, he hastens the complete revelation of all concealed parts of Torah, which will be revealed in the "new Torah that will come forth from Me" in the Redemption.

Spreading the Wellsprings

Expanded article - Spreading the Wellsprings

On Rosh Hashanah 5507 (1746), the Baal Shem Tov conducted a soul ascension to the chamber of Moshiach, and so he related:

And I asked Moshiach: When will the Master come? And he answered me: By this shall you know, at the time when your teachings become famous and revealed in the world and your wellsprings spread outward, what I have taught you and you have comprehended, and they too will be able to perform unifications and ascensions like you, then all the kelipot will be destroyed and it will be a time of favor and salvation.

Since then, spreading the wellsprings of Chassidic teachings throughout the world, in order to bring Moshiach, has become a central goal in Chabad Chassidut, which grew stronger through the generations - until in our generation it has become the most general matter. Subsequently, the Rebbe announced that the work of spreading the wellsprings has already been completed, and they have reached everywhere - therefore the work now is to prepare to greet our righteous Moshiach.

Tzedakah (Charity)

Extended Article - Tzedakah

The Rebbe distributing dollars. The Rebbe said that through this distribution, we hasten and bring the Geulah immediately.

Regarding the mitzvah of tzedakah, our Sages said, "Great is charity for it brings the Geulah closer," to the extent that the Rambam ruled, "Israel will be redeemed only through tzedakah." The Rebbe mentioned this many times - especially when distributing dollars at the end of his talks, explaining that this was done to hasten the Geulah. The Rebbe said that when giving tzedakah, one should specifically intend that this giving is to hasten the Geulah. The Rebbe even stated that "it's possible that the only thing lacking to bring the Geulah is simply giving a few coins to charity!..."

Additional Mitzvot and Practices

Faith and Trust: Our Sages say that "the exiles will gather only as a reward for faith... our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt only in the merit of faith." The Rebbe says that so too will it be with the future Geulah, which will come in the merit of the faith and trust of the Jewish people in the Geulah. Nevertheless, this faith should also penetrate internally through studying Chassidic teachings.
Joy: The power of joy can bring the Geulah, since it expresses our trust in the Geulah, and through this trust we "compel" Hashem, as it were, to fulfill it and bring the Geulah. The Rebbe especially emphasized the need to increase in joy not for a secondary purpose, but "pure joy" for bringing Moshiach, through which we will certainly succeed in bringing him.
Ahavat Yisrael (Love of Fellow Jews): Our Sages said that the destruction of the Second Temple and the beginning of the final exile occurred because of baseless hatred. In light of this, the Rebbe explains many times that the correction that will bring the Geulah is baseless love. However, in 5751 (1991), the Rebbe announced that the cause of the exile had already been corrected, and therefore the special Ahavat Yisrael in our time is already a taste of the unity that will exist in the Geulah - and not to correct the exile.
Be Fruitful and Multiply: Our Sages said that "the son of David will not come until all the souls in the 'guf' (body) are used up," meaning that in Heaven there is a treasury of souls called "guf" and these souls need to descend to the world. The Rebbe repeated this many times and emphasized in light of this the importance of the birth of every Jewish child, and the rejection of family planning.
Thanking Hashem for Miracles: Our Sages relate that Hashem wanted to make King Chizkiyahu the Moshiach, but the reason He did not do so was because Chizkiyahu did not thank Hashem for the miracles He performed for him. In light of this, the Rebbe emphasized the importance of thanking Hashem for the miracles that happen to us, and publicizing them, in order to bring the Geulah.
Kiddush Levanah (Sanctification of the Moon): On Shabbat Parshat Noach, the Rebbe encouraged that part of the spiritual accounting to bring the Geulah should be expressed in additional care and enhancement in Kiddush Levanah, since it alludes to the Geulah. Therefore, one should conduct this ceremony in important and beautiful clothes, in the street and with a large crowd to honor the King, with special intention to hasten and bring Moshiach immediately, through adding in the demand and request for the Geulah.

External Links

It is Possible to Hasten the Coming of Moshiach on the Tzeirei Chabad website

Bringing Moshiach

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