Where We Are Today

Our current era is unique and important. As we will discuss, the events of the last several decades clearly demonstrate that we are on the threshold of Mashiach’s arrival.1 Our present time is the final moments of Galus, and we will be the first generation of the everlasting Geulah.2

As mentioned before, Mashiach’s arrival is not an abrupt occurrence; it is the culmination of a process that has been in the works since the beginning of time. Mashiach’s times and the era of Techiyas HaMeisim, the Resurrection of the Dead, will mark the realization of the Dirah BeTachtonim. Then, the previous generations’ efforts will come to fruition, fulfilling creation’s ultimate purpose. At last, the world will be the home for G‑d, with His presence clearly revealed and appreciated within existence.3

With this in mind, we can realize that our present stage is not to our own credit. The current opportunity is by virtue of the collective efforts of all the previous generations. All of history has been leading up to these moments when, in our times, we will do our part and apply the finishing touches to the work of millennia.4

Our stature is not greater than our forbears. Yet, when standing on the shoulders of those “giants,” we can “see farther.”5 Only by merit of us continuing the legacy of our predecessors, building upon their efforts, will we, despite our deficiencies, cause the complete and final Geulah.6

The world at large is also attuning to this exceptional moment. The times we live in are unparalleled in terms of technology and information.7 The world is more connected than ever before, and events in one corner of the globe are being shared with and influencing millions of people a minute. Everyday life and business are conducted with global communication and collaboration.8 On aliteral level, all of the necessary implements are in place for the entire world to become “filled with the knowledge of G‑d” in a matter of hours or even minutes.9

The Rebbe’s Influence

Our generation is distinguished by the leadership of the Rebbe, who dedicated his all to permeating the world with G‑dliness. Bringing authentic Yiddishkeit and Chassidus to frontiers never previously imagined, it is impossible to quantify the scope of the Rebbe’s influence and inspiration.

In the Rebbe’s worldview, nothing about G‑d and His Torah are abstract or theoretical. Torah, mitzvos, and Chassidus are relevant to every person, every time, and every place.

The Rebbe stated that the mission and mitzvah of this generation is to engage in spreading and strengthening Yiddishkeit in general, and to broadly disseminate the teachings of Chassidus using any available medium.10

No Jew will be left behind in Exile; therefore, it is our task to reach every last individual.11

The Rebbe initiated numerous mitzvah campaigns, seeking to unite the Jewish People with these tangible expressions of Jewish identity.12

The Rebbe taught that Jewish identity ought to be visible and proud. Encouraging the public display of Judaism, the Rebbe constantly emphasized that society’s respect will be earned if we are unabashed about who we are. To cite just a few examples, the Rebbe started children’s parades on Lag BaOmer, sent “mitzvah tanks” into bustling downtowns, and encouraged the display of public menorahs.13

The Rebbe noted the reversal of religious persecution taking place in nations across the globe. For the first time in the history of our Exile, virtually every Jew is granted the ability to freely practice their faith, and when necessary, the local governments will even assist them in doing so.14

In recent times, the world has become ready for Jews to share the ideals of G‑dliness, goodness, and morality found in the Seven Noahide Laws. Previously inconceivable due to global persecution, the world has changed and is now receptive to these Divine truths.15

Far from remaining a lone effort, the Rebbe’s model of complete dedication to the needs of others soon became a commonplace ideal.

In the Rebbe’s own description:

“In the present time, we see that it is much easier to explain to a Jew – even someone to whom this previously seemed foreign – that in addition to their personal growth, they have the responsibility of acting as a Shliach and influencing others.

People now readily understand that they must share their knowledge and strengths, not only within their social circle of family and friends, but indeed to anyone they can possibly reach.”16

Over time, the Rebbe’s efforts of integrating G‑dliness within our world have gained tremendous popularity and appreciation:

Since 1978, American presidents have chosen to designate the Rebbe’s Hebrew birthday as “Education and Sharing Day USA.” Paying tribute to the Rebbe’s encompassing influence, these global leaders indicate that for an Americancitizen to gain inspiration to educate themselves and others, or to share what they have with the community around them, it should be from none other than a chassidic Rebbe.17

Today, people from all walks of life appreciate the presence of the Rebbe’s emissaries in all corners of the globe, the Rebbe’s teachings and ideals resonate throughout communities,18 and the mission to bring Mashiach, which the Rebbe entrusted to every Jew, reverberates in an ever-growing manner.19