The Rebbe’s words were highly charged: “What more can I do to motivate the entire Jewish people to clamor and cry out, and thus actually bring about the coming of Mashiach? All that has been done until now has been to no avail. For we are still in exile.... All that I can possibly do is to give the matter over to you. Now, do everything you can to bring Mashiach, here and now, immediately.... I have done whatever I can: from now on, you must do whatever you can....”

On the following Shabbos Parshas Shemini, the Rebbe explained his meaning: The responsibility lies on every individual to hasten the coming of Mashiach by increasing his study of the Torah, both on the revealed level (of Talmud, Torah law, etc.) and on the mystical level of pnimiyus haTorah (i.e., Chassidus), as well as by upgrading his performance of the mitzvos — behiddur, in a beautiful and conscientious manner.

The Rebbe’s message rings loud and clear: it is up to us to hear it.

Today is a day of distinctive import1 which shares a special connection with the true and ultimate Redemption. This bond is reflected in the present year; in the present month, and the day of the month; and in the present week, and the day of the week. In particular, this bond is reflected in this day as it figures within the context of the Counting of the Omer. In the latter context, our Sages taught,2 “It is a mitzvah to count the days and it is a mitzvah to count the weeks.”3

On this occasion, it is important to emphasize how essential it is that we complete our service of G‑d which is directed to bringing about the true and ultimate Redemption.

The connection to the present year — As mentioned frequently throughout the year, the Hebrew letters numerically equivalent to the date of the present year 5751 (תשנ"א) form an acronym for the words הי' תהא שנת אראנו נפלאות — “This will surely be a year when I will show you wonders.”

In particular, in the order in which these letters are usually written (which is significant in Torah law, because legal documents are composed using this order, placing the tens before the units4 ), the nun appears before the alef, נפלאות אראנו rather than אראנו נפלאות. In contrast, the order אראנו נפלאות is the order in which these words appear in the verse, “As in the days of your exodus from the land of Egypt, I will show you wonders.”5

Both of these orders can provide us with insights regarding the nature of the year. The first order, נפלאות אראנו, implies that the “wonders” may exist without being openly revealed. This is reflected in our Sages’ statement6 that a person to whom a miracle occurs may not recognize the miracle that has occurred to him. Although “wonders” are greater than “miracles,” it is possible that these wonders will be so transcendent in nature that only G‑d will be able to appreciate them. In this context, the verse “He works wonders alone,”7 is interpreted to mean that some wonders are so great that G‑d alone can appreciate them.8

The added word אראנו, “I will show you,” implies that G‑d Himself will reveal these miracles, making it possible for us to appreciate them with our mortal eyes.9 We will be able to appreciate these wonders not because they are not great, but rather because G‑d Himself will become involved with revealing miracles that are so transcendent that ordinarily He alone would be able to appreciate them. Otherwise, as the world exists within its own natural context, these miracles could not be perceived.

Nevertheless, the order in which the words appear in the verse אראנו נפלאות is also significant. It implies that, at the outset, there is already a revelation of wonders which transcend our worldly frame of reference.

Thus, the two orders complement each other: The order אראנו נפלאות implies that a transcendent level of G‑dliness will be revealed, but that the revelation will be initiated from above, without being completely related to the framework of our world. In contrast, the order נפלאות אראנו emphasizes that the revelation will permeate our frame of reference. It does not, however, reflect a revelation that is utterly transcendent in nature.

Thus, the ultimate state results from a fusion of the two orders. In this ultimate state, the most transcendent levels of revelation permeate every aspect of this material world. First and foremost, this refers to the wonders described in the prophecy, “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show you wonders” — the revelation of the wonders of the true and ultimate Redemption to be led by Mashiach.10

The connection with the present month — Nissan is a month of redemption,11 the month in which the exodus from Egypt took place, and the month in which the future redemption will take place. As our Sages declared, “In Nissan they were redeemed, and in Nissan they will ultimately be redeemed.”12

The connection with the present day — This is the night between the 27th and 28th of Nissan. Each of those dates is significant. The number 27 is equivalent to the word זך, meaning “pure,” as in the phrase “pure olive oil.”13 Such oil produces a bright light. Thus the 27th of Nissan reflects how Nissan (the Redemption) will be brightly revealed.

The number 27 is also significant in that it is three times nine. Three is associated with the concept of chazakah, a threefold sequence associated with strength and permanence14 as in the continuum of three holy days (Rosh HaShanah and Shabbos) with which this year began. Nine is three times three, i.e., a chazakah in regard to this chazakah (as reflected in the three times this sequence was repeated in Tishrei), and 27 is a further multiple of three.

The number 28 is equivalent to the word כח, which reflects the strength and power of Nissan (i.e., the Redemption). Moreover, it indicates that the potential has been granted to actually bring about the Redemption.

The connection with the present week — This week is associated with Parshas Shemini.15 Shemini means “the eighth,” and thus relates to the Redemption, which is identified with the number eight.16 There is a particular emphasis on this on the present day, the day preceding the Shabbos17 when the entire parshah is read.18 Furthermore, this is the third week (a chazakah) associated with Parshas Shemini, the first portion of which is read eight times (when including the readings of Shabbos afternoon and of Mondays and Thursdays). Thus, within the current framework of redemption, this pattern of readings indicates a heightened degree of redemption.

The significance of the present time is also reflected in the coming days.19 The 29th of Nissan is the day before Rosh Chodesh (Iyar20 ), a day often described as Yom Kippur Katan (“Yom Kippur in microcosm”).21 Our Sages describe Yom Kippur as the day of the marriage between G‑d and the Jewish people (for on Yom Kippur, the Second Tablets were given22 ). The consummation of this marital bond will take place in the era of Redemption.23

In particular, this year is distinctive in that the day preceding Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos.24 In months such as this, the penitential prayers of Yom Kippur Katan are recited before the advent of Shabbos.25 On Shabbos, all that remains is the service of G‑d which is characterized by happiness, which is appropriate for Shabbos. As our Sages commented, “ ’On your days of rejoicing’ — These are the Shabbasos.”26 Also, Shabbos itself reflects the era of Redemption, which is described as “the day which is entirely Shabbos and rest for eternity.”27

We then proceed to Rosh Chodesh. This represents a renewal of the moon, which is intrinsically related to the Jewish people who “resemble the moon, fix their calendar according to the moon,28 and ultimately [in the era of Redemption] will be renewed as the moon is renewed.”29 This month, there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, the first day of which leads us to the second day (which is the first day of the new month30 ). Thus the dimension of Rosh Chodesh which is associated with the Redemption is repeated and reinforced.31

We then proceed to the second of Iyar, the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Chassidim emphasize the connection of that day to the Sefirah Tiferes ShebeTiferes (“Beauty within beauty”).32 This day is associated with his characteristic pattern of conduct, known as Lechat’chilah aribber. As the Rebbe Maharash would say,33 “Generally, people say, ‘If you can’t crawl under, try to climb over,’ and I say, Lechat’chilah aribber: ‘Right from the outset, you should climb over.’ ” This level of conduct can also have a retroactive effect, elevating all the preceding days (beginning with the 27th of Nissan), and causing them to reflect the qualities of Tiferes ShebeTiferes and Lechat’chilah aribber.

The connection with the days of the Counting of the Omer — The days of the Counting of the Omer connect Pesach (the season of our freedom) with Shavuos (the season of the giving of our Torah). Thus the Counting of the Omer emphasizes how the exodus from Egypt was intended to lead to our receiving the Torah, and reflects likewise how the imminent exodus from the present exile34 is intended to lead to the consummation of the giving of the Torah35 — the revelation of “the new [dimension of the] Torah which will emerge from Me.”36

There is an added emphasis on the Counting of the Omer this year, since Pesach falls on Shabbos. On the verse, “they shall be seven perfect weeks,”37 the Midrash comments,38 “When are they perfect? When Pesach falls on Shabbos, and our counting begins on Saturday night. Thus the weeks are perfect,” “because they begin on the first day of the week and conclude on Shabbos.”39 Thus, since the Counting of the Omer is always associated with “perfection,” this year this appears in a higher dimension,40 “perfection within perfection.” This also adds greater perfection to the concept of redemption in these days.

In particular, the numbers counted on the current days41 provide us with unique lessons. The 27th of Nissan is the twelfth day of the Omer. The number twelve is associated with the Twelve Tribes, the complete Jewish nation, which will be reunited in the era of Redemption. The 28th of Nissan is the thirteenth day of the Omer. Thirteen is the numerical equivalent of the word echad,42 meaning “one,” and thus points to the fulfillment of the prophecy that “On that day, G‑d will be One and His name will be One.”43

This brings us to the fourteenth day of the Omer. Fourteen is numerically equivalent to the word yad, meaning “hand.” In the narrative of the exodus, the word “hand” is mentioned three times:44 G‑d’s “strong hand,”45 the Jews’ “upraised hand,”46 and G‑d’s “great hand.”47

This in turn brings us to the fifteenth day of the Omer, a number associated with a full moon,48 which reflects a state of completeness for the Jewish people, as explained above.

* * *

Because of the unique stress on the Redemption in this time, an astonishing question arises: How is it possible that despite all these factors, Mashiach has not yet come? This is beyond all possible comprehension.

It is also beyond comprehension that when ten (and many times ten) Jews gather together at a time that is appropriate for the Redemption to come, they do not raise a clamor great enough to cause Mashiach to come immediately. They are, heaven forbid, able to accept the possibility that Mashiach will not arrive tonight, and even that he will not arrive tomorrow, or on the day after tomorrow, heaven forbid.

Even when people cry out Ad masai? (“Until when will we remain in exile?”), they do so only because they were told to. If they had sincere intent and earnest desire, and cried out in truth, Mashiach would surely have come already.

What more can I to do to motivate the entire Jewish people to clamor and cry out, and thus actually bring about the coming of Mashiach? All that has been done until now has been to no avail. For we are still in exile; moreover, we are in an inner exile in regard to our own service of G‑d.

All that I can possibly do is to give the matter over to you. Now, do everything you can to bring Mashiach, here and now, immediately. Act with all the energy and power of the lights of Tohu, but have your deeds balanced with the stability of the keilim of Tikkun.49

May it be G‑d’s will that ultimately ten Jews will be found who are stubborn enough to resolve to secure G‑d’s consent to actually bring about the true and ultimate Redemption, here and now immediately.50 Their stubborn resolve will surely evoke G‑d’s favor, as reflected by the interpretation51 of the verse,52 “for [i.e., because] they are a stiff-necked people; You will pardon our sins and wrongdoings and make us Your possession.”

As a further effort on my part to encourage and hasten the coming of the redemption, I will distribute money to each one of you with the intent that you give it to tzedakah, for “Tzedakah is great since it brings the redemption near.”53

I have done whatever I can; from now on, you must do whatever you can. May it be G‑d’s will that there will be one, two, or three among you who will appreciate what needs to be done and how it needs to be done, and may you actually be successful and bring about the true and complete redemption. May this take place immediately, in a spirit of happiness and with gladness of heart.

FOOTNOTES

1. See Taanis 29a; Arachin 11b. See also Rashi’s commentary to Behaaloscha 9:7 and Ki Seitzei 22:8.

2. Menachos 66a.

3. The fact that the Counting of the Omer takes into consideration both the days and the weeks contributes an additional dimension to the days and the weeks that exist within the natural order.

This is particularly relevant this year when Pesach falls on Shabbos and we begin counting the Omer on Saturday night. Thus, the weeks of the Counting of the Omer are perfect insofar as they correspond to the weekly cycle, as will be explained. This further emphasizes the interrelationship between the Counting of the Omer and the weekly cycle, as explained in the farbrengen of Acharon shel Pesach.

4. See the Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 126:5 and commentaries.

5. Michah 7:15.

6. Niddah 31a.

7. Tehillim 136:4. See also the explanation of this verse in Or HaTorah — Nach (p. 487) and Yahel Or 153 ff., which connects the prophecy “I will show you wonders” with the verse “He works wonders alone.”

8. Rashi, Niddah, loc. cit.

9. For, as Shabbos 63a states, “The meaning of a verse never departs from its simple interpretation.”

10. The miracles of the ultimate Redemption will be considered as “wonders” even in comparison with the miracles of the exodus from Egypt (Or HaTorah — Nach, ibid.).

11. Shmos Rabbah 15:11.

12. Rosh HaShanah 11a; Shmos Rabbah, loc. cit.

13. Tetzaveh 27:20.

14. Bava Metzia 106b.

15. This is true in the diaspora where at present, in the era of exile, the majority of the Jewish people is located. In Eretz Yisrael there is also a connection with Parshas Shemini, for the blessing for the present week is drawn down from Shabbos Parshas Shemini.

16. This is reflected in Arachin 13b, which states that the harp of the era of Mashiach will be of eight strands.

17. Friday’s portion of the weekly reading mentions the four non-kosher animals which represent the four kingdoms by which the Jews have been exiled, and whose influence will be nullified in the era of Redemption (Vayikra Rabbah at the conclusion of this parshah).

18. On Shabbos, the entire parshah is read communally. On Friday it is studied by each individual, twice in the original and once in translation (Tur, Shulchan Aruch, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 285). The custom of the Rebbeim of Chabad was to begin this study on Thursday night (HaYom Yom, entry for 4 Teves).

19. The interconnection between these days can be explained as follows: Shabbos is connected with Friday since, as our Sages declared, “Whoever prepares on Friday will eat on Shabbos.” The days of the coming week are blessed through the preceding Shabbos and therefore also share its connection with Friday.

20. The letters of Iyar (אייר) serve as an acronym for the names Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov and Rachel (Meorei Or 1:84), who represent the four “legs” of the heavenly chariot. This indicates the uniqueness of the fourth “leg” of the chariot which is associated with King David (Zohar I, 248b). David is referred as “the anointed king,” Malkah Meshicha.

21. See the notes of the Pri Chadash to Orach Chayim, chap. 417; Shnei Luchos HaBris (120b).

22. Taanis 26b; see also Rashi’s commentary to Taanis 30b.

23. Shmos Rabbah, the conclusion of chap. 15.

24. This is emphasized by the recitation of the haftorah, which begins, “Tomorrow is the new moon.”

25. The above-mentioned Pri Chadash cites the discussion which concludes that when Rosh Chodesh falls on Sunday, the prayer service of Yom Kippur Katan is carried out on Thursday. This further emphasizes the connection between Thursday and Shabbos.

26. Sifri, Behaaloscha 10:10.

27. The conclusion of Tractate Tamid.

28. See Sukkah 29a.

29. The Kiddush Levanah prayers (Sanhedrin 42a).

30. In contrast, the first day of Rosh Chodesh is counted as the 30th day of the previous month (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 126:6).

31. The concept of repetition itself is connected with the redemption (cf. Pirkei deRabbi Eliezer, sec. 48).

32. HaYom Yom, entry for 2 Iyar.

33. See Igros Kodesh (the letters of the Previous Rebbe), Vol. I, page 617.

34. All the ruling kingdoms (and exiles) are included under the title, Mitzrayim (i.e., Egypt; cf. Vayikra Rabbah, at the conclusion of Parshas Shemini).

35. The giving of the Torah takes place on the fiftieth day of the Counting of the Omer, when the fiftieth gate of understanding is revealed (see Likkutei Torah, Bamidbar 10d ff). Nun (which equals 50) is the first letter of — and thus can be considered as an acronym for — the Hebrew word Niflaos, meaning “wonders.” The connection between 50 and Niflaos is also emphasized by the fact that Niflaos (נפלאות) can be divided into nun pla’os (נ פלאות), meaning “50 wonders” (Zohar I, 261b).

36. Yeshayahu 51:4; Vayikra Rabbah 13:3.

Since G‑d “looked into the Torah and created the world” (Zohar I, 161b), the revelation of a new dimension of Torah will bring about a renewal in the world at large, bringing into being “a new heaven and a new earth” (Yeshayahu 66:22). How much more so will it bring about a renewal within the Jewish people (for whose sake the world was created). As the above verse continues, “and so your seed and your name will stand.” (See the conclusion of Likkutei Torah.)

37. Emor 23:15.

38. Pesikta deRav Kahana, chap. 8.

39. Rashi on Menachos 65b.

40. See Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXII, p. 145.

41. Note that the daily portion of the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam studied on Friday deals with the Counting of the Omer (Hilchos Temidim U’Musafim, chap. 7).

42. Thirteen is also the numerical equivalent of the word yavo in the phrase yavo shilo (“Shilo will come”), which alludes to the coming of Mashiach (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XI, page 8).

43. Zechariah 14:9.

44. See Likkutei Torah, Naso, 21b ff.

45. Bo 13:3.

46. Beshallach 14:8.

47. Ibid. 14:31.

48. See the Zohar I, 150a, regarding the significance of the full moon.

49. [Tohu represents the primordial world-order in which the distinctive spiritual energy (the “light”) of each Sefirah is released uncompounded and unrestrained. Tikkun, by contrast, represents the modified world-order in which the distinctive spiritual energy of the various Sefiros is harnessed and synthesized in the “vessels” of reason.]

50. Significantly, the verse “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show you wonders” is interpreted as G‑d’s answer to the prophet’s prayer for the coming of the ultimate redemption (Radak, Metzudas David).

51. See Shmos Rabbah, the conclusion of chap. 42, Likkutei Torah, Balak 67d.

52. Ki Sisa 34:9.

53. Bava Basra 10a, and see Tanya, chap. 37.

Chof Ches Nissan is labeled as an “auspicious day” because its essence is the complete redemption and its truth in both a general and in a specific sense. There is a generality in the year and month and a specificity in the week and day as seen from the particularity of each Mida in the counting of Sefiras Haomer. “מצוה למימני יומי ומצוה למימני השבוע” - It is a Mitzvah that is particular to its day and week because each Mida is catered to its day. It is only possible to anticipate the actual coming of Mashiach by arousing the desire for its arrival as well as implemented to hasten the desire into actuality. 

The Rebbe prefaces his reasonings by explaining the advantage of an “יום זכאי”- “auspicious day.” An “auspicious day” pertains both to the general concept as well as the specific ones. The Rebbe had mentioned that that year was an extra special year being that תשנ”א was an acronym for “תהא שנת נפלאות אראנו”.- “Wonders, I will show you” It may also be rearranged to be read as, “תהא שנת אראנו נפלאות” “I will show you wonders”. Both mean in simple terms, “It will be a year that I will show you wonders,” so what is the difference between these two ways of writing the quote?

Our life is encompassed by miracles. A miracle is defined as a surprising event that is not understandable by the forces of nature and is therefore considered to be an action “performed” by G-d. Waking up is a miracle; being able to walk is a miracle; using your mind to part take in a conversation is a miracle. There are those that are skeptical that these small and seemingly simple actions are just the natural occurrences in life -no miracles involved. However, these small instances are as miraculous as any major phenomenon because all is in the power of G-d. Referring back to the basic definition, one can see that anything performed by G-d is automatically categorized as a miracle. Following this train of thought, one getting healed at the brink of death is just as marvelous as one who has the ability to wake up in the morning. Both people’s ability to breathe air and live another day is granted by G-d. This goes to show how we have to thank Hashem for all that he does for us, big and small.

There are some miracles that are concealed in the world, disguised as nature. These miracles are termed through the quote, “תהא שנת נפלאות אראנו”.  This version of wonders is limited because there can’t be an overflow of G-d’s divinity. There are boundaries that have to be upheld because of Hashem’s method of running the world through nature. The second way of reading it is as, “תהא שנת אראנו נפלאות”. The Rebbe explains that the greatness of that specific year (5751) is of its open miracles and how one could see the intention behind every action Hashem does as proven with the quote, “הוא לבדו יודע שהוא נס” - “G-d in His glory and essence is making an active effort and is occupied in showing the great wonders.” This version of wonders isn't bound by nature. This is a higher level of revelation because Hashem isn't “limited”, to His own set boundaries. There is a crystal-clear revelation that all can see. As much as the second version seems to appear superior, true perfection is formed when there is a balance between both the natural and the abnormal. 

This teaches us a valuable lesson in using the physicality in the world and elevating it in order to create a Mikdash Lematah for Hashem to comfortably dwell in. If Hashem had wanted a space where all is spiritual, Hashem would have left His space as it was with perfect Malochim. However, this is not the case. Hashem created the world with physical things and intended for the Jewish people to transform the materials into spiritually and have it be solely used for Hashem. We can’t neglect the Gashmiyus stuff that is put before us. Every substance has a purpose in out Avodah for Hashem. We cannot turn a blind eye towards it all.

The Rebbe then goes on to explain that not only is the year significant, but so is the exact month and day. The Sicha was said in the month of Nissan, the month when there was the first redemption out of Egypt.  The Chachamim hold that it is also the month when we are destined to be redeemed , as the quote says, “בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל”. 

The Sicha was said was at the junction of כ”ז ניסן and כ”ח ניסן. Both of these days have a uniqueness to them. כ”ז has the same letters as the word זך - pure. This emphasizes the clear revelation at the month of Nissan. One can also see at as a Chazakah in how 3^3=27. 3 represents the concept of Chazakah - an established fact. So really, in this case, the 3 is cubed making it even stronger than its base. It is also represented by the 3 consecutive days of Yom Tov. כ”ח has the same lettering as the word כח - strength. This shows that there is strength in the month of Nissan and there is a power to bring the redemption. There is also an explanation pertaining the exact week when we read the Torah portion of Shemini. Shemini is connected to the concept of redemption and it had the characteristic of establishment in its essence. 

The day of כ”ח ניסן is the day preceding כ”ט ניסן, which the day before Rosh Chodesh, also referred to as a mini-Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is when the second set of Luchot were given. When the redemption comes, there will be a complete redemption as it was with the second Luchot. Then it will be in a state of marriage, as one is on Yom Kippur - at a complete unity with Hashem. This day before Rosh Chodesh leads to Rosh Chodesh, the time of the birth of the month. We learn that the Jews will be renewed at the time of Mashiach as the moon is renewed each month, as seen by the quote, “שהם עתידים להתחדש כמותה”. There is an even bigger Zechus when the eve of Rosh Chodesh lands on Shabbat, as it did that year. There is also a Zechus when Rosh Chodesh is on Shabbos. To continue in the days of greatness, these days pour over to ,ב’ אייר , the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash. 

All of this build up had an ultimate conclusion. The answer as to why this day changed the game and had a spellbound effect that impacted on all the chassidim was the Rebbe’s extremity and severity to the fruitless results to all the efforts done in bringing Mashiach. The Rebbe says,” Is it possible that without looking at and considering all of these concepts, we did not affect the coming of our righteous Moshiach in actuality?!...This is something which is not at all understood!” The Rebbe was perplexed by how Mashiach hasn't arrived yet despite it being a fitting time for Mashiach to come because of the year and date. 

The Rebbe then goes on to say how devastating it is that there aren't even 10 passionate people who are truly and honestly awaiting the coming of Mashiach, lest Mashiach would have been here already. This teaches us a lesson in taking initiative and not relying on others actions. No one is less responsible than the other in bringing Mashiach. Some may think that because the Rebbe said that there only need to be 10 souls in possession of the yearning that you need not be one of them. Every person has to be part of the group of 10 that will be the ones to bring Mashiach. The Jewish nation is known as a stiff neck nation. We have to channel that stubbornness towards demanding Mashiach’s arrival. Then the Rebbe says that every person has to shout “Ad Mossai”, but it has to be a genuine cry for Mashiach or else Moshiach won’t come, proof being the static circumstance. We learn that it is not enough to give verbal validation of an idea, but it has to have meaning behind it.

The Rebbe said that he has done his job and now it is up to us to finish the task by doing all that we can, “טוט אלץ וואס איר קענט”. By doing our part we will be able to bring Mashiach. The Rebbe was telling us that until now he was holding our hand and now it is time to let go and continue out on our own, to initiate programs, to create change, to and not wait for it to be instructed to us. 

The Rebbe ends off by saying that we shouldn't just talk about creating change but to do an action the hastens the coming of Mashiach. The Rebbe says that he would give everyone money so that they can perform the act of giving Tzedakah, a Mitzvah that is known to bring the Geulah faster, as it says, “גדולה צדקה שמקרבת את הגאולה”. The Rebbe teaches us that we cannot be all talk and no action. After holding by a concept, one has to support it by doing something about it.

“Most of all, that you will affect [the coming] of the true and complete Redemption in actuality immediately, with joy and good heartedness."