The Baal Shem Tov Encounters Moshiach
In a letter to his brother in law, the Baal Shem Tov (who lived from 1698 to 1760 and is considered the founder of the Chassidic movement) described an experience of soul ascension in which he encountered Moshiach. Asking when he would arrive the Baal Shem was informed that his coming was dependant on the spreading of his wellsprings (Chassidic philosophy) to the wider world.
Explaining this cause and effect the Rebbe points out that Chabad Chassidic philosophy is a mechanism that takes the esoteric, obscure and hidden secrets of our Creator, as found within Judaism, and presents them in a ‘user friendly’ format.
This system is a foretaste and beginning disclosure of the Divine experience which will be perceived when Moshaich is fully revealed.
In this way Chassidus prepares and brings the world closer to a state of Redemption. As it is described in Isaiah 11:9 and underlined by the Rambam, “The world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d like the waters cover the sea.â€
The proliferation of Chassidus in the modern age has been described by the Rebbe as a fulfilment of the condition described in the letter of the Baal Shem.
The Baal Shem Tov also taught that G-d creates existence anew every moment.
The Rebbe highlights this as an opportunity. We have each moment, to connect with our creator and move toward our spiritual goal. Each segment of time is of significance, no matter what happened in the past, to start anew and endeavor to become Moshiach Conscious, preparing for and hastening a world of abundant good.
(Adapted from Kuntris Inyano Shel Toras HaChassidus and Sefer Hasichos Parshas Korach 1991)
