CHINUCH AND MOSHIACH

Dear Reader sh’yichyeh,

In our previous article, we started going through the explanation process to some of the basic questions that our younger bachurim have. We finished off last lesson by quoting the Rambam that explains in great detail the greatness of Melech HaMoshiach. I would like to continue that discussion, by addressing the question that is most likely to follow:

“You just explained that Moshiach is the most amazing person that will ever live. He will bring perfection to creation. Yet, why do we insist on referring to the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach? What’s the benefit? On the contrary, we see that there are people (even within Chabad communities) who are not comfortable with the whole idea!”

It is especially important to address this matter in the current month, in the weeks before 10 Shevat, when the terms “Kabbalas HaNesius” and “Kabbalas HaMalchus” are used often. This question was brought up in Yeshiva recently, and all the steps that I outline here, I am currently doing myself.

In my Shabbos Drasha on Parshas VaYigash, I was explaining to the Talmidim the importance of going to the Rebbe for 10 Shevat and the nachas that is generated by such a trip. I quoted the P’sukim (45:27): “And they told him all of Yosef’s words that he had said to them, and he saw the wagons (of Bachurim coming for 10 Shevat) that Yosef had sent … and the spirit of their father Yaacov (the Rebbe) was revived.” 

I then explained to them that while there are different Shvatim (representing in our story the holy ways to prepare for 10 Shevat), there must be “VaYigash Eilav Yehuda – Yehuda stepped forward.” We must put an emphasis on the Shevet of Yehuda (stressing the Kabbalas HaMalchus as an integral part of the preparation).

Before we delve into our method of answering the above specific question, it is worth sharing a very basic foundation in Chinuch (which I heard from many experienced mechanchim): In answering a question or preparing a lesson, it is always better to assume that the students knows less and is less familiar with terms than what you would normally assume. 

Experience has shown that many times after giving over an entire lesson, you hear from the students that they did not even know (or properly grasp) the foundations upon which the lesson was based. In such scenarios, the teacher and the students walk away frustrated. It always pays to address an issue from the foundation up. This will help those students who need clarification of the most basic concepts, while being a quick and healthy review for those that already know the information.    

The same is true regarding the answer to the above-mentioned question. In order for it to be fully answered, the teacher must clarify four very important things:

1) The role of a Jewish King – Don’t we already have Hashem as our king, the students might be wondering? What is the reason we need a Jewish King?

2) The uniqueness of Malchus Beis Dovid – Is there an intrinsic specialness in the kingship of Beis Dovid, as opposed to that of other Jewish kings like king Shaul?

3) Moshiach – Is there a difference between his kingship and that of any of the other kings of Beis Dovid?

4) Kabbalas HaMalchus – What does that mean? How do we do it?  

In our upcoming articles, we will be addressing all four of these points. I will also provide the sources (mainly from Likkutei Sichos) for the ideas that will be stated.

Rabbi Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well sought after speaker and lecturer. Recordings of his in-depth shiurim on Inyanei Geula u’Moshiach can be accessed at http://www.ylcrecording.com.