Episode Sixty-One 'WHY 'LAY CLAIM' NOW?' is the second segment of a mini-series. Having previously made the case that -- beyond anticipatory yearning for Moshiach's arrival -- we must actively ask for Redemption, we move on to troubleshoot to defend and cement the logic of the thesis; finally answering the question of "why now"?! In Episode 60, LAYING CLAIM we already presented a carefully stitched quilt tapestry fusing a Halacha from the Laws of Claims with the need to ask Hashem for...

Episode Sixty 'LAYING CLAIM' is the opening segment of a new mini- series. Here we make the case that -- in addition to, and beyond the eager anticipation or yearning we might feel for Moshiach's arrival -- we are required to request the Redemption. Founded on a legal precedent, established as binding Halacha in the Laws of Claims, we will focus on the requirement to lay claim to get what's rightfully yours. The Rebbe elegantly and creatively draws a parallel to illustrate our need to ask...

'NEEDING IMPACT' deepens and expands the meaning of our [already] developed thesis regarding the profound impact heartfelt, sincere demands of Hashem make. In the preceding "Impact" segment a range of rabbinic teachings about Tzadikim's Tefilla, further emphasized some of the ideas we had already begun to spell out. In this new Episode, we return to the concept of Prayer, by definition. By virtue of thoughtful analysis, we will lead to redefine how we view the way we ask G-d for Geula...

The Fifty Ninth Episode, aptly entitled 'INITIATING IMPACT' is the sixth and concluding segment of our "Impact" mini-series -- the thesis about the importance and power of heartfelt pleading for redemption drawn from the dramatic biblical narrative of Pesach Sheni's origin. In the final treatment of the subject, we will focus on the unique potency of possessed by initiation rather than responsivity, in the dynamic of our relationship with Hashem. Shabbat's serenity is self-generated, and even...

'ENTREATING IMPACT' adds a new dimension to the previously developed thesis about the impact we can have when we make sincere demands of Hashem. In the previous two Episode, a biblical narrative is recast as a foundation basis for the concept that heartfelt prayer can change destiny. An idea that is further emphasized by both the syntax and repetitious nature of our daily Prayers. In this third Episode on the Power of Prayer, we are introduced to a range of rabbinic teachings that underscore...

'SUSTAINING IMPACT' continues to develop the special thesis about the impact we can have when we make sincere demands of Hashem. In our previous Episode, a historic biblical event sets a precedent, highlighting a Torah truism about the powerful possibilities of righteous requests and heartfelt prayers, in general, and regarding the coming of Moshiach in particular. In this new Episode the syntax as well as the repetitious nature of our daily Prayers emphasize the veracity and authenticity of...

DEMANDING IMPACT' reaches deep into the early history of our Peoplehood, drawing an instructive parallel for us about the potential impact we can make by virtue of a sincere demand for the coming of Moshiach in our time. In rhetorically questioning his own approach to the subject, the Rebbe presents past precedent to make a profound point about the possibilities we each possess today. Streams of unique Torah teachings are channeled to affect a sea-change in our understanding of what is...

'REDEMPTIVE IMPACT' continues developing the thesis opened in the previous Episode, Footsteps of Redemption about our generations unusual title "Heels" of [the age of] Moshiach. This distinctive Torah etymology served to highlight the unique superiority, and remarkable potency we possess, despite being vastly inferior to previous generations! Weaving together profound insights about the power of our [public] prayers, and the deeper meaning of having them answered, the previously portrayal of...

'FOOTSTEPS OF REDEMPTION' is a brand Episode in which we focus on the unique position of our generation as being the ones to herald the dawning of the new age of Moshiach. To be sure, this title is lifted out of a stirring prophetic, poetic psalmist expression; adapted and crystalized by our Sages in Mishna, Midrash and Kabbalah. The Episode presents classic Torah sources to highlight the range of meaning encoded into this exceptional euphemism. Transcending the simple understanding of...

Episode Fifty-Two, 'ManDATE of Hope' follows the previous Episodes in which the powerful impact "hopeful yearning" for Moshiach can be was documented, clarified, and richly illustrated in novel and compelling fashion. We will now go beyond revealing the extraordinary potency vested in our eternal Jewish Optimism. Beyond, because possibility can remain but an option to exercise. The Episode presents classic Torah sources demonstrating that unleashing a redemptive force of spirit by maintaining...

Episode Fifty-One, 'unMASKing Hope' builds on the previously established Torah axioms of just how impactful and meaningful "hopeful yearning" for Moshiach can be. This brand-new Episode opens with a deep reach into the dawn of our Peoplehood. This yearning, as it turns out, is embedded into our national psyche, and has always punctuated the strata of Jewish history! Rather than birthed by exilic experiences, or born of suffering and depravation, we learn of a profound soulful desire that was...

Episode Fifty, 'AWAITING DIFFERENCE - Part Two’ takes the novel understanding of the famous Faith Maxim on Moshiach: although He tarries "I will continue to Await" [His Coming] each day..." into a groundbreaking fresh field of discovery. In this second segment we will learn just how powerful taking this path of greatest resistance can be. The newfound appreciation should inspire us all to try harder to actively "Await" -- despite the obvious challenges of maintaining an unnatural emotion....

Episode Forty-Nine, entitled 'AWAITING DIFFERENCE’ analyzes the famous Faith Maxin on Moshiach "And even though He may tarry, nonetheless I continue to Await His Coming each day!" To continue to be emotionally invested and be actively "Awaiting" as the time drags on is obviously counterintuitive and unnatural. Maintaining that level of anticipation will obviously take great effort, yet does it really make a practical "Difference?" Based on a brief letter The Rebbe wrote in a time of personal...

Episode Forty-Eight, entitled 'THE WOMEN OF EXODUS’ opens with Sayings of our Sages about the Spiritual Superiority of Jewish Women at the time of our National Liberation from Egypt. The Torah Truth, however, goes far beyond the teachings about the Trusting Women who historically helped break the chains and shackles of our Egyptian Exile. Instead, the dynamic nature of Feminine Faith was about Empowering the Future Generations! In this Episode we will achieve a radical new understanding of...

Episode Forty-Seven, entitled 'MOSHIACH: A NEED OR LUXURY?' further demonstrates the fallacy of the thinking that after more than 1,950 of unanswered prayers for The Geula (the Torah-true Jewish Messianic Redemption) it might be best cease and desist, rather than continuously pestering G-d. This concludes what we began in the immediate past Episode "TIME TO GIVE IT UP." The seeming "proof" drawn from the Talmud stating that excessive prayerful entreaty can make G-d look harsh and us seem...

Episode Forty-Six, entitled 'TIME TO GIVE IT UP?' considers the possibility that after more than 1,950 of continuous yet fruitless entreaty and prayer perhaps it time to stop asking for it. Maybe, just maybe we shouldn't be pestering G-d any longer. Those advocating this approach, suggest that at this point we leave it in Heaven's hands. Whenever Hashem decides it's time, we'll be ready and waiting they say! This sounds reasonable. And they maintain that the teachings of our Sages back them...

Episode Forty-Five, entitled 'OWNING ANTICIPATION' explores implications of the previously established Torah truism on the future Messianic reality being resultant of our Avodat (service to) Hashem [especially, but not exclusively] during exilic times. As that imminent future isn't an indirect remuneration, but a direct result of our efforts, it naturally follows that we'd best be mindfully creating the consequence. And that would necessarily engender anticipatory excitement! The BIG...

Episode Forty-Four, entitled 'INTENDED CONSEQUENCE' introduces us to the Era of Moshiach as the climax and sum of thousands of years of spiritual toil. In other words, the messianic utopia is not only a promised, but inherently unrelated reward for our blood, sweat, and tears, but rather a direct consequence of our efforts, inspiration, and perspiration. So, here's the question we may now ask: who care?! Do intended consequences require intention, or are our intentions immaterial? In addition...

! , Episode Forty-three Episode Forty-Three, entitled RED BULLS EYE III completes the thesis that every mention of Moshiach must be followed with a prayerful verbalization of yearning! The final issue left to clarify was why Rambam had passed up numerous opportunities to convey this important ruling on a mention that mandates prayer. In the immediate past Episode, we highlighted the unique connection between the inherent character of these two Torah precepts: Para Aduma and...

Episode Forty-two , entitled RED BULLS EYE - Part One follows the re-examination, defense, and confirmation of the previously suggested idea that every mention of Moshiach should naturally lead to hopeful yearning, and that those feelings must then be verbalized in prayer! We also achieved a keen understanding of why establishing such a legally binding obligation, requires but a single mention in Halachik syntax. The exquisite tapestry of this nearly perfect thesis still leaves some loose...

Episode Forty-one Episode Forty-One, entitled RED BULLS EYE - Part One follows the re-examination, defense, and confirmation of the previously suggested idea that every mention of Moshiach should naturally lead to hopeful yearning, and that those feelings must then be verbalized in prayer! We also achieved a keen understanding of why establishing such a legally binding obligation, requires but a single mention in Halachik syntax. The exquisite tapestry of this nearly perfect thesis still...

! , Episode Forty Episode Forty, entitled SAY IT ONCE features a re-examination of our previous Episode conclusion: the yearning and anticipation we might think or feel for Moshiach must be prayerfully verbalized! Maimonides choice to insert precisely such prose into the text of a strictly Halachic syntax seems to create a legal precedent. And as such, ultimately a binding ruling. In this Episode we will return to question the veracity of that logic. After all, if this...

! , ' Episode Thirty-Nine Episode Thirty-Nine, entitled LIVIN' ON A PRAYER will break new ground in demonstrating why mindful yearning and anticipatory sentiments for Moshiach should best distilled into prayerful prose, rather than simply filling our consciousness, or even being verbalized -- as clarified in the previous Episodes. Here we introduce a Halachic precedent (and, as such, ultimately an obligation!) that exceeds mere articulation of conviction and anticipation for...