In our pursuit of understanding and preparing for Mashiach’s arrival, we often overlook the significance of strengthening the diaspora. Many may not realize that Mashiach’s presence is already among us, though not yet part of our awareness. It is believed that he will emerge from the diaspora, and in fact, he is currently in the northeastern United States. This insight compels us to recognize the importance of fortifying ourselves within the diaspora. This process of strengthening is not only beneficial but essential for our ultimate return to Israel.
Drawing from the Torah, specifically the Five Books of Moses, we find profound lessons that parallel our current situation. After the giving of the Torah, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness. This period was not a mere delay but a time of crucial development and preparation. We could have entered the land of Israel directly, yet Hashem chose to utilize this time to strengthen us under the leadership of Moses, Moshe Rabbeinu. This period served to transform the Israelites into leaders and warriors, a necessity made evident after the incident of the golden calf.
Consider the metaphor of a shepherd, akin to the young David, gathering his flock. A shepherd cannot gather all his sheep at once; he must gather them one by one, guiding them in stages until the entire flock is united and led to their destination. Similarly, Hashem uses our time in the diaspora to gather us incrementally, fortifying our faith and unity so that we can ultimately move forward as a cohesive group. This process is essential, as it prepares us to enter Israel not as a divided people, but as a unified nation.
When we left Egypt, we spent 49 days in the wilderness, a time intended for self-refinement, similar to the current practice of counting the Omer. However, it became clear that we lacked faith and trust in Hashem. Moses, with his profound understanding and leadership, guided us through this crucial phase. His leadership style, remarkably akin to that of Hashem, was instrumental in preparing us for our future.
The 40 years in the wilderness under Moses’ guidance were a period of strengthening the diaspora of that time. It was a preparation for entering the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. This historical context offers us a clear parallel to our current situation. Just as the Israelites needed time to be fortified before entering Israel, we too must focus on strengthening ourselves in the diaspora today.
By fortifying our faith and trust in Hashem, we prepare ourselves for the ultimate return to our homeland. We must unify and strengthen our communities within the diaspora, recognizing that this is a critical step in Hashem’s plan. When He deems us ready, we will be guided home. However, readiness implies that we are not yet prepared. Therefore, our focus must be on becoming stronger here and now, allowing Hashem to take us all the way home when the time is right.
In essence, the journey of the Israelites serves as a timeless lesson for us. The period of wandering and preparation in the wilderness was essential for their eventual settlement in Israel. Similarly, our current focus on strengthening the diaspora is a vital step in our spiritual journey. Just as a shepherd carefully gathers his flock, leading them to their intended destination, Hashem is gathering us now, ensuring that we are ready to return to our land united and strong. By learning from our past and fortifying our present, we pave the way for a future guided by faith and trust in Hashem.
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