The clarion call of redemption

Across centuries of exile, Jewish prayer has carried a quiet certainty: history is moving towards redemption and an era of Moshiach. Three times a day, Jewish lips ask for the rebuilding of our Temple in Jerusalem, the flourishing of David’s line, and the revelation of a perfected world. 

For generations, these words were recited with faith and conviction, yet the full meaning of that future often felt distant. 

In the teachings of Chassidus (the mystical teachings of Torah), however, redemption is not merely an event that interrupts history; it is the uncovering of a deeper layer of reality that has always been present within creation, one that was obscured when Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. 

Chassidic masters, from the Baal Shem Tov onwards, taught that the world is filled with Divine vitality. Every object, every moment, carries sparks of godliness awaiting revelation through mitzvot, acts of kindness, and inner refinement. Yet Chassidus also teaches that as light intensifies, resistance grows. The struggle between good and evil doesn’t disappear as redemption approaches; rather, it becomes more visible. 

On the world stage, we see clashing visions of humanity’s future – forces of unity, dignity, and purpose alongside those driven by fear, domination, cruelty, and fragmentation. In the language of Chassidus, this friction occurs as the layers of Divine concealment begin to thin. 

Today, this struggle manifests clearly in every part of our environment, particularly in the context of the war with Iran and the accompanying political discourse. The commentary surrounding this conflict often reflects a desperate search for moral clarity and truth amid rising tensions and polarisation. As we witness intensified debates and narratives that seem to veer further into darkness, it is imperative to hold fast to the values of integrity and compassion. The narratives being spun often obscure the fundamental human realities that Chassidus encourages us to confront and elevate. 

The appropriate response, Chassidus calls for, is not greater control but a different posture of the soul. Redemption begins when we release the illusion that we are the sole authors of history. Instead of tightening our grip, we need to learn to surrender, aligning our will with the Divine will flowing through creation. In that surrender, we don’t become passive; rather, we become channels. Through acts of kindness, courage, prayer, and moral clarity, we allow the Divine energy within the world to flow through us. 

Perhaps this is why the season of Pesach has always resonated for us as a people  – and how much more powerfully today. 

Pesach isn’t only a commemoration of the liberation from Egypt; in Chassidic teaching, Mitzrayim (Egypt) represents every form of constriction – both external oppression and inner limitation. Each year, we are invited to leave behind the narrowness that enslaves us: the belief that the world cannot change, the fear that keeps us small, and the ego that clings to control. During our seder, we partake of matza – the bread of humility – symbolising our need to release our egos, while simultaneously drinking four cups of wine, representing the promise of impending redemption. This juxtaposition invites us to shift our consciousness from mere remembrance to a deeper awareness of the transformative power of liberation, as we embody the truth of that there is a Divine and He indeed controls our world. 

As we celebrate the seder, we must also remember the significance of vehigadata levancha (and you shall tell your son), the imperative to tell the story to our children. History cannot be learned from if we do not gather future generations, teach them about our mistakes and our wisdom, and encourage them to carry the flame forward. It is through this storytelling that we instil in the hearts of our children a sense of identity, responsibility, and hope for the future, inspiring them to pursue the path of light and truth. 

The Jewish concept of redemption, characterised by the yearning for Moshiach, reminds us as well that this redemption is universal, embracing all humanity. Today, more than ever, we are witnessing unprecedented miracles and revelations that are paving the way for a world where light will ultimately overcome the dark forces of hatred and division that we have experienced. These signs of spiritual awakening and unity signal a shift towards a brighter future, underscoring our collective journey toward fulfilment and peace. 

So, as we gather this year in our homes with family and friends, and in our communities across the world, let us not only recount the story of freedom of a story long gone but also participate in a deeper transformation. By loosening the grip of the self and allowing the Divine flow to guide our actions, we actively participate in the unfolding redemption itself. 

In a strange, almost humorous twist of history, even the loud voices of modern media may be unwitting participants in this unfolding narrative. One could almost say – tongue firmly in cheek – that figures like American antisemitic commentators Tucker Carlson or Candace Owens contribute to the conversation in their own unique ways. They may have misunderstood the script and wandered off the page entirely, but Chassidus reminds us that even unlikely actors can stir the deeper questions that prepare the world for something greater. 

For thousands of years, Jews have prayed to witness this moment. Grounded in biblical prophecies and the remarkable pace of innovation, our generation is not merely waiting for redemption; rather, we have the incredible opportunity to recognise it as it begins to unfold, even amid the challenges we face. The call of the hour, as we navigate these complexities, is to be inspired to cultivate the moral integrity and clarity that will guide us towards a full and vibrant redemption – both within ourselves and in the world around us. Practically, we can embody this by deepening our commitment to Judaism, performing acts of kindness, and engaging in mitzvot to illuminate the world. This year, ensure that you participate in a seder, invite those who might sit alone, and, most importantly, together in unity, we set the stage to be participants in the greatest revelation the world has ever seen – the one we have hoped and prayed for so long. 

This year, the carrion call of “Leshanah Haba BeYerushalayim – Next year in Jerusalem”, might very well be a reality. 

• Rebbetzin Aidel Kazilsky is a radio and television host and an inspirational speaker who teaches the wisdom of Torah and applies it to contemporary times.