The Geulah and Our Responsibility
Kislev holds special spiritual potential. Chassidic teachings associate this month with transforming darkness into light and preparing for the Geulah (Redemption).
The Torah and Nevi’im (Prophets) provide essential keys to understanding the events unfolding in our time. Numerous shiurim by contemporary rabbanim examine these developments in light of Tanach and the teachings of Chazal.
Yet understanding must lead to action.
Through Torah study, observance of mitzvot (commandments) and teshuvah (returning to Hashem), we can contribute to hastening the Geulah. Our responsibility is not merely to recognize the significance of the times, but to act upon it, while praying that the Geulah unfold berachamim — with Divine mercy.
The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that even a single mitzvah can tip the balance of the entire world toward merit (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4).
As Kislev begins, let each of us undertake one kabbalah — a concrete personal commitment to strengthen our service of Hashem, however small — recognizing the far-reaching spiritual significance of our actions.
Further Study — Selected Shiurim
The following shiurim examine contemporary events in light of Tanach, Chazal and teachings concerning the Geulah.
These lectures represent only a small selection of the many shiurim available on the prophecies of Tanach, Acharit HaYamim and the Geulah. Readers interested in exploring these subjects further can use them as a starting point to discover additional shiurim by these and other rabbanim.
1. Rav Yinon Kalazan
Tanach and Current Affairs: The Key to Understanding Reality
A series examining contemporary events through the study of Tanach.
2. Rav Zamir Cohen
Prophecies of Acharit HaYamim
An examination of the prophecies in Tanach concerning Acharit HaYamim, including Gog uMagog, Jerusalem, the signs of the Geulah and Yemot HaMashiach.
3. Rav Yosef Biton
Be’itah and Achishenah
A discussion of the distinction between Be’itah (Redemption at its appointed time) and Achishenah (Redemption that is hastened).
Primary Sources and Rabbinic Teachings
The Lubavitcher Rebbe — The Month of Light
Sichas Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah, 5742
The distinctive spiritual significance of Kislev, the transformation of darkness into light and preparation for the Geulah.
Sanhedrin 98a — Be’itah and Achishenah
The distinction between Redemption at its appointed time and Redemption hastened through merit.
Rambam — Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4
The significance of a single mitzvah in tipping the balance of the entire world toward merit.