The War of Kedusha - an interview with the Karlsburger Rebbe
Lazer's last interview with the Karlsburger Rebbe was on November 29, 2005, when the Karlsburger Rebbe elaborated on the differences between the approches of the Sephardi Kabbalists and the Chassidic Rebbes in regards to the Geula, or redemption of the Jewish people. This current interview is, in effect, a continuation of the previous interview.
LB: Karlsburger Rebbe, during our previous meeting in Eretz Yisroel two months ago you told me that the Geula will come, G-d willing soon, by virtue of middas haChessed d'kedusha, or the sphere of Divine lovingkindness. Could you please elaborate on this concept?
Rebbe: Gladly. First, I'm happy you asked me such a question, because we are now in the period of Shovevim (the 6 weeks that include the Torah readings of Shmos, Va'era, Bo, Beshalach, Yisri, and Mishpotim - together, the first initials of these 6 Torah portions form the word "shovevim", or "mischievous ones", an allusion to Hashem's mischievous Jewish children who must rectify their ways. - LB).
LB: What's the connection between Chessed d'kedusha and shovevim?
Rebbe: The 6 weeks of Shovevim are an opportune time to arrouse and invoke Divine lovingkindness. Our sages teach us that these six weeks are an opportunity to better ourselves in the area of personal holiness, or shmiras habris, the guarding of our covenent with the Almighty. This is the key to redemption.
LB: How?
Rebbe: The Torah is the blueprint that Hashem used to create the universe. The 6 weeks of Shovevim tell about the redemption of our people from Egypt. The spiritual lights of redemption always shine bright during this period.
LB: I always thought that the Shovevim was a time of severe judgment.
Rebbe: It is! But, periods of severe judgment can be reversed to opportunities of extreme compassion and lovingkindness, just as the most severe period of slavery in Egypt turned into the miraculous redemption.
LB: How do we turn the tables?
Rebbe: We learn from our forefathers. In the entire 210 years that Israel was in bondage in Egypt, our people conducted themselves in a manner of complete holiness, despite their unbearable tribulations. Only one unfortunate episode of promiscuity occurred - and you're talking about a nation that numbered millions - that of Shlomit bas Divri. Nothing invokes Divine compassion and lovingkindness like protecting and preserving our holy covenant with Hashem. In a way, Hashem is saying to us, "You keep your end of the deal, and I'll keep mine." Hashem promised us the Land of Israel when he gave us the commandment of the holy bris, which is in essence not only circumcision, but the holiness of our bodies - in thought, speech, and deed. The Zohar teaches us that shmiras habris, the preservation of this holy covenant, is the very reason that Hashem sends the Jewish soul to this earth.
LB: So, any deviation from holiness is a breach of contract with Hashem.
Rebbe: Precisely; even more so, the entire Redemption depends on this. We've already said that Geula and Moshiach shall be the result of Divine lovingkindness. The Sitra Achra, or dark side, wants to prevent the Geula at all costs. Therefore, the Sitra Achra uses all its power to promote promiscuity in the world, especially among Jews. So, every gain in holiness hastens the Geula, while promiscuity and lewdness - which according to Kabbala can be classified as Chessed d'Sitra Achra (unholy lovingkindness - LB), perpetuate exile and diaspora.
LB: Rebbe, I certainly appreciate what you're saying, but those of us who are on the front lines of outreach are more than used to people accusing us of giving excuses for Moshiach not coming. Do we have to wait until every single Jewish man and woman speaks, acts, and thinks like a tzaddik until we can see Moshiach? With all our wishful thinking, that just won't happen!
Rebbe: Hashem doesn't expect that. He wants that the tone of Klal Yisroel be directed at Torah and Kedusha; He wants more modesty in dress and a strengthening of marital holiness. He wants the more Gemorra learning and less internet. All through religious law, majority rules. A majority of holiness is enough to defeat the forces of impurity, and to invoke the Divine lovingkindness that is needed to bring Moshiach and the Geula, speedily and in our days, amen.
LB: Thank you for your time and wisdom, Karlsburger Rebbe.
