Publisher's Foreword
3 Min Read  •  Rosh Chodesh Menachem-Av, 5753

By popular demand, and with the approval of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita, we are publishing "The Announcement of Redemption" − a collection of selected excerpts from the talks of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita (from the end of 5750 through 5752) concerning the proclamation and announcement "The time of of your Redemption has arrived" (Yalkut Shimoni on Yeshayahu, remez 499) and the proclamation that "Behold he (King Moshiach) comes."

The purpose of this book is to present to the reader the words of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita, concerning the unique time in which we live, with all the expressions and amazing declarations that we are actually standing on the threshold of Redemption, as well as the practical instructions required of us to hasten in reality the immediate Redemption.

It is appropriate to quote the words of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita at the public gathering of Shabbos Parshas Balak, 5751:

"...This means primarily thought and reflection that we are now standing at the very entrance of the Messianic Era, that "Behold he is coming,"... Translating the above into practical terms: Despite the "uproar"associated with this matter in recent times within this year, the year of "I shall show him wonders," and after witnessing the wonders which testify that this is "The year that the King Moshiach will be revealed," we see how difficult it is to inculcate the awareness and the feeling that we are literally standing on the threshold of the Messianic Era, to the point that one begins to "thrive" on matters of Moshiach and Redemption... The solution to this dilemma is Torah study concerning Moshiach and Redemption."

* * *

We have collected in this work only selections from edited talks (published in Sifrei HaSichos 5750-52), from the time when the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita first proclaimed (on Shabbos Parshas Re'eh, 5750), "The time of your Redemption has arrived."

We have arranged them chronologically. We have also included footnotes and sources. (Notes whose content is particularly relevant to "The Announcement of the Redemption" appear in a larger typeface.)

It cannot be overemphasized that the subjects in this book are treated at greater length in the talks themselves. Although, we have only quoted from talks edited by the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita himself, this book does not include every "aspect of Redemption and Moshiach" in the (edited) talks of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach from this period. Indeed, the talks are replete with the subject, so much so that one may apply to the talks (sichos) of this period the description (to paraphrase the Rambam in his Laws of Kings, chapter 11) that "all of them are filled with this subject." Rather we have included exclusively those sections and expressions concerning our times. Similarly, we have selected from the practical directives only those with a specific connection to our current period. (Thus, we did not include instructions relevant to a particular time of the year, for example, learning Pirkei Avos during the summer, etc.)

We should mention, therefore, that many of these selections contain words and subjects that are a continuation of a lengthier discussion. In order to understand them properly, the reader needs to study the text of the entire talk.

* * *

We will conclude with the words of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, at the public gathering of Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah, 5751. (This was recorded at the time by one of the participants, released in unedited form. See below sections 5 and 70.)

"Currently, there is a "flood" and an undesirable turmoil in the world − as evidenced by the fact that the "kingdoms incite each other," and they themselves don't know what they want . . . searching for advice and advisors how to conduct themselves in the current situation".

"In regard to the Jewish people, however, the situation is such that the "flood" in the world is not a cause for turmoil and confusion. Most emphatically, the opposite is the case:  This "flood" presents a very positive and desirable situation for the Jewish people, because, "all that I have done I have done only for your sake. For what reason are you afraid? Do not fear. The time of your Redemption has arrived." Also, "Melech HaMoshiach stands (already) on the roof of the Beis HaMikdash [Holy Temple] and announces to the Jewish people, Humble ones, the time of your Redemption has arrived." As is well-known, a roof does not become sanctified. Therefore, this [Moshiach's standing on the roof] is analogous to being in a land outside of Israel, which is also not sanctified (at least not like the land of Israel)".

"And therefore the announcement comes (as proclaimed also in earlier gatherings) that "the time of your redemption has arrived," imminently, immediately and at once, actually in absolute reality..."

We pray that the Holy One, Blessed be He, will have mercy on his people Israel and will send a complete and speedy recovery to the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlita, in all his holy limbs and veins; G-d should grant him length of days, good and pleasant years and eternal life; he should see great pleasure from his shluchim [emissaries], his students, his chassidim and all of Klal Yisroel; he should lead all of us with health, abundance and pleasure.

And as he has proclaimed to us, that "the time of your Redemption has arrived," so may he announce to us swiftly in our days, that the Redemption is actually here; may he lead us, standing erect, to our land, where we will learn Torah from the mouth of our righteous Moshiach, who will teach Torah to the entire people together; may we behold the king in his splendor with our eyes as his kingship is revealed to all, immediately and at once, for Sovereignty belongs to G-d. Amen, thus may it be His will.

Vaad L'hafotzas Sichos

Rosh Chodesh Menachem-Av 5753,
Brooklyn, NY