The Maturation of the Generation

We see, thank G-d, an increase of Torah study in this generation. There are more Yeshivot, more books being written, as Torah spreads throughout the world. There are books written on every Halachic topic for any one who wants, and the number of classes and people studying is steadily increasing. This is due to the spirit which is constantly getting stronger and will eventually result in the renewal of the Sanhedrin in which all the concepts of Torah will be united in one place and teaching will go forth for all of Israel.

We see the budding of movements of people that are seeking loftier levels. The thirst and pining for God is increasing within people's souls and the worlds of prayer and song are constantly becoming more real and manifesting themselves in various ways. The desire for Jewish culture, for an atmosphere of liveliness in divine service emanate from the depths of countless souls. The wellsprings of Torah and Chassidut have prepared much nutritious food for this thirst.

This demonstrates that the time has come for the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdosh, and the intense life of Divine service which will be experienced there. People's souls seek joy, desire and loving connection to God. The place to find all of these is in God's home with the intense dancing of the Simchat Bait HaShoevah during Sukkot, and the singing of Hallel with the offering of the Korban Pesach. This is the epitome of all those life's experiences which seek joy in Divine service, the gathering of friends in holy song, and their joining together to seek God and liveliness in His service.

The great desire in our generation for the secrets of Torah that stand at the pinnacle of the world, are living testimony to the life, the light of prophecy and outpouring that stands beyond the world of  the senses and shines brightly. The need that many Jews have to infuse their lives with the dew of the light of Kabbalah is testimony that these lofty levels are ready to be revealed within us, to carry us to amazing destinations, to holy sanctuaries through which no man has passed and none have seen.

The great Sages of yesteryear who instilled Kabbalistic concepts in their works prepared sustenance for the generation of the Redemption who would approach these sources and through engaging with these holy concepts open up the crown, the life of soul on all its levels, and shine again in Zion the light of God.

Rather than focusing on the external view of this generation, if we look into its heart, we will understand its desires, know its nature and the great possibility that is open to them. If we look at a child and see his inner power, we can know that he is destined for greatness. The same is true of our generation with its desire for refreshing prayer, thirst for eternal secrets. We can know that these are living signs of achievements that are coming closer, beginning to blossom and will soon shed their light, and be revealed constantly and retain their grip for all eternity.

Taking Joy & Pleasure

Many people think that serving God is difficult and tiresome. And standing before God means being in a state of fear and trembling. All of that is true when viewing divine service in an external manner. However, if one enters into a deeper understanding there open up for him gates of joy and love. Gates of amazing pleasure. Until each and every Mitzvah is infused with the amazing taste of Gan Eden which cannot be surpassed.

Kabbalistic thought explains the reasons behind the Torah. Consequently, one who begins this study also has develops a deeper appreciation for study of Torah. A deep and pleasurable taste from each act in that connects him to God. This is even more powerful if one is in the Land of Israel. Israel is the House of Hashem. Returning to Israel means we are sitting at our father's table. This is the service of children, the inner service predicated on love. The father's table is full of delicacies and sweets, and no table is more blessed than that of Hashem where we are connected in an internal manner replete with pleasure, joy, and unsurpassed sweetness and love.

The battle with the Evil Inclination and the forces of lust leads to a greater victory in Israel that without. When one partakes of the sweetness of Godly pleasure, all the delights of this world are worth nothing in comparison. This is especially true if one can involve his mind in Kabbalistic study. The forces of evil only raise their heads to affect a person when he is empty of the richness of life, devoid of spiritual connection. The victory in the Land of Israel over the Evil Inclination comes from the joy, love and great pleasure from serving God. Only through love and joy can a person be filled with spiritual richness until he no longer wants any lowly lusts which is empty and pale in comparison with the rich life and blessing of spiritual outpouring.

These ideas give us an opening to understand the challenges of this generation. Nowadays using a stick to hit those who are not following the ways of God will almost never work as we can see from looking around. This is not a result of the low state of the generation, but because of the great level of souls that are present and rebuke and force do not have any effect. The souls desire a lofty spirit, and a connection full of light, blessing and holiness. Experience shows us that only joy and love draw the hearts and strengthens them with holiness, awe and Mitzvah performance. Oppression and bitterness, frightening rebuke pushes people away as they deliver a message that serving God is unpleasant. These create an atmosphere that is unpleasant and no person wants to remain in an unpleasant place. People's souls are thirsting for the word of God, there is no need to frighten them. Rather one should follow the path of the prophet who taught that at the end of days people will only want the goodness of God.