The Lubavitcher Rebbe is identified as the King Moshiach who will redeem the Jewish people. The recognition of the Rebbe as King Moshiach was published by Chabad rabbis and others in a halachic ruling based on halachic decisions and the Rebbe's own references to the topic.

Starting in the years 5751-5753 (1991-1993), during the period defined by the Rebbe as the "revelation of Moshiach" and the beginning of his activities in the world, the belief began receiving public expression through singing "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu v'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed" (Long live our master, teacher and Rebbe, King Moshiach forever and ever) in front of the Rebbe and in other ways.

The belief that the Rebbe is Moshiach became popular following publicity campaigns through various means that were published (and continue to be published) with the Rebbe's encouragement.

The Rebbe's Own References to the Topic

Starting in the years 5751-5753 (1991-1993), during the period defined by the Rebbe as the "revelation of Moshiach" and the beginning of his activities in the world, the belief began receiving public expression through singing "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu v'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed" (Long live our master, teacher and Rebbe, King Moshiach forever and ever) in front of the Rebbe and in other ways.

The belief that the Rebbe is Moshiach became popular following publicity campaigns through various means that were published (and continue to be published) with the Rebbe's encouragement.

Identifying Someone as Moshiach in History

In every generation there is someone worthy of being Moshiach, and if the generation merits it, he will redeem the Jewish people from exile. This stems from the belief in the coming of King Moshiach, a human being who will redeem Israel, and from the anticipation that he will come any day - something possible because he has already been born and grown up beforehand.

The Chasam Sofer writes: "From the day the Temple was destroyed, immediately someone worthy in his righteousness to be the redeemer was born, and when the time comes Hashem will reveal Himself to him and send him... but due to our many sins, several have already died and we did not merit that the spirit of Moshiach should rest upon them even though they were worthy, but the generation was not worthy. However when the time comes, G-d willing, Hashem will reveal Himself to him like He did to Moses at the burning bush and will send him."

" The Sdei Chemed writes similarly: "And so it is in every generation there needs to be someone qualified, perhaps they will merit," and more.

Based on this, in every generation they searched for who is the Moshiach of that generation. This identification does not guarantee that he will be the Moshiach who will actually redeem Israel, but only to say that at that time he is the most suitable to redeem Israel if indeed they merit it. The Gemara in Tractate Sanhedrin tells about how the students of the Amoraim found hints that their teacher is Moshiach: "What is his name? The school of Rabbi Shila said his name is Shiloh, as it says 'until Shiloh comes.' The school of Rabbi Yannai said his name is Yinon, as it says 'May his name endure forever; may his name be continued (yinon) as long as the sun.' The school of Rabbi Chanina said his name is Chanina, as it says 'I will show you no favor (chanina).' And some say his name is Menachem son of Chizkiya, as it says 'Because the comforter (menachem) that should relieve my soul is far from me'... Rav Nachman said: If he is from the living, he is like me, as it says 'Their leader shall be from among them and their ruler shall emerge from their midst.' Rav said: If he is from the living, he is like Rabbeinu HaKadosh."