Understanding the times we live in 2 – The Rebbe

 

As we approach the end of this millennium, we are all well aware of the sweeping changes that have taken place in the world during the last several generations.

 

The very landscape of our world has been radically altered, and we can anticipate even more revolutionary changes in the coming years.

 

After mankind’s long search for unity and meaning, the world is ready for deep and meaningful change.

 

Clearly, a revolt is under way. Never before has there been such public discussion of unhappiness, such an obsession with therapy and self-help, such a deep hunger for anything or anyone who can sooth our weary souls.

 

Throughout America and the world, people are genuinely searching for spiritual meaning.

 

When we don’t find relevance in what we are being taught, we look elsewhere.

 

The rebellions and transitions of the last decades testify to the disillusionment in old value systems.

 

There is no doubt that much of what we learn today is spiritually irrelevant.

 

We have been trained for materiel success – by our schools, by television and by our peers.

 

It is only natural that materialism has become the magnetic north of our moral compass.

 

But this is not the workings of some evil demonic force; it is simply a state of default.

 

Darkness is often not an enemy, but simply the absence of light.

 

So the solution to today’s spiritual crises lies not in slaying some dragon on the outside, but in battling the personal conflict within.

 

This requires a grassroots awakening. We each need to make a new commitment to kindness.

 

To spread a massage of love and cooperation, of moral and spiritual values.

 

A message that this world is changing and we are poised at departing the age of materialism and entering the state of unlimited wisdom coming from G-d Himself in the messianic soon-to-be era.

 

This wisdom will unite mankind rather than materialism which divides it.

 

And with today’s technology we can reach and unite with people everywhere.

 

Imagine if all seven billion people on this planet chose to be unselfish for one given moment, everyone united in the pursuit of true and meaningful knowledge.

 

Just think what we could accomplish!

 

This then is the current challenge; Though it may seem insurmountable, but remember this process began long ago and its energy accumulates from generation to generation!

 

History is one generation standing on the shoulders of the previous one, like single bricks that together form a might fortress.

 

We may think of ourselves as a meager generation, but when we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors, we have the potential to become the mightiest of structures.

 

The birth of the modern era has brought about a triumph of freedom over authoritativeness.

 

We have learned that freedom presents various challenges, but we have also been taught that G-d would not place an obstacle in our path unless he provided us with the abilities to overcome the obstacle.

 

Past generations have abused their freedom. Taking advantage of it mainly for personal and selfish gain.

 

It is the challenge of this generation to redefine the meaning of freedom, to bring about a liberation of the soul, to embrace a life that answers the soul’s deepest yearnings and realizes its Divine purpose, of dedicating our lives selflessly toward charitable, familial and societal needs.

 

We have been challenged to introduce to the world a freedom that does not challenge the sovereignty of G-d’s authority, but which is its ultimate compliment.

 

Our sages tell us that there will come a day when our earthly reality will be a flawless mirror of its Divine source, G-d’s architectural blueprint namely the Biblical and Jewish Mystical wisdom.

 

We are now on the threshold of that day.

 

There has never been a better time to reach people, for their hearts and souls are thirsting for nourishment, understanding, love and guidance.

 

Instead of using modern technology simply for personal and business means, we must learn to use it to spread inspiration and goodness.

 

None of us are excluded from the monumental responsibility of learning and teaching what G-d wants of us, and our generation.

 

It is up to each of us to open our eyes, our minds, and hearts to this new awareness.

 

Every era has its calling.

 

Every generation has its mission.

 

We must recognize that we live in a special time and that we have been groomed for this moment; You must ask yourself “Am I fulfilling my calling.”