Rabbi Baruch Kahana shlit'a, son of the famed Rebbe Nachman of Sphinka ob"m, is known as the Karlsburger Rebbe. The Karlsburger resides in Williamsburg, and is currently visiting in Israel. In addition to being a monumental scholar and a tzaddik of enormous spiritual proportions, the Karlsburger Rebbe is a warm and amicable human being with a delightful sense of humor. Furthermore, he is a warm supporter of Jewish outreach, and would host me in his home during my outreach trips to the USA. The Rebbe has never before agreed to speak to the media in any way, but when I asked him to offer the LazerBeams audience the benefit ofhis wisdom for the sake of "hischazkus", or strengthening faith, he agreed.
LB: Rebbe, how can one reconcile the view of the Sephardi Kabbalists that the war of Gog and Magog has yet to come, and will be a catastrophe of mega-proportions, with the view of the Melitzer Rebbe shlit'a, that Gog and Magog is already over?
Karlsburger Rebbe: Let me preface by saying that the Melitzer's views are not original; they are based on the views of the holy Rebbe Aaron of Belz zatza'l, who declared that the Holocaust was Gog and Magog. Chassidim are used to saying the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk (18th Century, Poland - LB) succeeded in rescinding the decree of world destruction. In addition, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev wrote than Gog and Magog would be a spiritual struggle.
LB: Does that mean that the Chassidic Rebbes, the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, are merely wishful thinkers?
K. Rebbe: In a certain way, yes. You see, the Sephardi Kabbalists learn a more rigid pshat (direct interpretation) in the Prophets and in the Zohar, namely, that there will be worldwide calamaties. The Chassidic rebbes, including your own rebbe, may The Almighty bless him with long and healthy days, believe that the decree has or can be "sweetened", as we say.
LB: How can both views be correct. Aren't they mutually exclusive?
K. Rebbe: Certainly not. As for the Geula (redemption), Hashem says (Isaiah 60:22), "In its time, I will hasten it." Rashi explains that if Klal Yisroel is deserving, in other words, that they make Tshuva on their own accord, then Hashem will hasten the Geula. But, if they don't make Tshuva on their own, and cling to the evil ways of modern society, then the Geula will come in its own time.
LB: If so, what's the nafka mina, or practical difference between the Geula coming according to the prescribed time, or whether it will be hastened by Hashem?
K. Rebbe: Your question is the key to understanding the difference in outlook between the Chassidim and the Sephardi Mekubalim: The Chassidim feel that the work of the great tzaddikim has and will succeed in expediting the Geula. On the other hand, the Sephardi Mekubalim tend to feel that the Geula will come in its own prescribed time. Now, here's your answer: If the Geula is hastened, then all stern judgments become sweetened or rescinded altogether. If the Geula is not hastened, and comes only according to its time, then G-d forbid the world will have to suffer according to the terrible events that are described in the prophets.
LB: In other words, we should all be trying for Achishena, the hastening of the Geula, and we should be scared stiff of B'ito, the Geula that comes in its prescribed time.
K. Rebbe: Precisely; that's why Jewish outreach is so very important - to hasten the Geula.
LB: Please Rebbe, there's a concept I need to clarify: If the Sephardim are correct - in other words, that we have yet to weather Gog and Magog, then what happens to Gog and Magog if Klal Yisroel wakes up and makes Tshuva? They say that disasters are destined to come, and that the prophecy of Gog and Magog has not yet materialized.
K. Rebbe: In the case of Achishena, Hashem can decide that Hitler and Stalin, or anyone else, was Gog and Magog, the decree is rescinded, the flights to Israel all get overbooked, and Jerusalem real estate increases 100 fold in value. In short - Geula.
LB: Can the Rebbe shlit'a cite a source in Talmud for a scenario of Achishena and "sweetening" the Gog and Magog prophecy/decree?
K. Rebbe: Certainly. Take a look at tractate Sanhedrin 94a - Hashem wanted to make King Hezekiah moshiach, and retroactively decide that Sanherib was Gog and Magog. Hashem can do the same today, and retroactively decide that Hitler and Stalin were Gog and Magog, and crown a righteous descendant of King David - from within our midst - as moshiach.
LB: Thank you, Rebbe. One last question - Tshuva is a very broad term. All of us need to make Tshuva, each on his own personal level. What specifically can be the catalyst to expedite the coming of Moshiach?
K. Rebbe: Kedusha (holiness). Here's why, according to Chassidus: The Geula will come by virtue of midas hachesed, or lovingkindness from the side of holiness. The Sitra Achra, or impure dark side, is fighting the Geula by using its own power of midas hachesed from the side of evil. Do you know what that is?
LB: Promiscuity?
K. Rebbe: Exactly. Therefore, every tiny improvement in modesty and holiness is a direct contribution to hastening the Geula. In speech, dress, thought, and deed we must cast off the impure ideas of modern society and return to the Torah and our lofty roots. Thus, may we merit the Geula shlema, Moshiach, Kibbutz Galuyos, u'binyan Bes HaMikdash (full redemption, Messiah, ingathering of the exiles, and building of the Holy Temple) speedily and in our time, amen.
LB: Thank you so much, Karlsburger Rebbe, and may Hashem grant you long and happy years, amen.
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