" We are the seventh generation, the one that will realize HaShem's reality on this earth " - The Rebbe
The Rebbe began his leadership in 1950, just as America began feeling the not- so- gentle stirrings of a new awareness. This would develop into a revolution, with young people raging against the conformity and hypocrisy of their parents, the pursuit of materialism, which might have satisfied previous generations, was simply insufficient.
The Rebbe's leadership would extend over four decades-- forty turbulent years that saw unprecedented and radical change. In this respect, the Rebbe was as prepared as a leader could be, rooted in religious tradition yet thoroughly educated in secular matters. He was a visionary leader. Throughout these tumultuous decades, he anticipated changes on both personal and social levels, consistently offering enlightment and encouragement towards handling the challenges of these rather daunting times.
Above all, the Rebbe saw this generation as one of final redemption. In his first discourse upon assuming leadership, the Rebbe said: " Our sages explain that Moshe was the seventh generation from Avraham. In that generation, the world experienced at Sinai an unprecedented revelation of G-dliness. So, too, our generation is the seventh of Rebbes, we have the responsibility coupled with the ability to finish the process of making this world a G-dly place. " - Toward a Meaningful Life.
To understand ourselves and the time we are living in, can be more difficult then we think. Because we are so fully absorbed in our daily lives, that it seems difficult to take a step back and see beyond the confusion and chaos in this world.
With the technical advances, which unite the world more than ever before, but on a personal level there is a disunity. When there is a imbalance of conflicting forces in our lives, the inner tension begins to rise. We live in a world that is split between materilism and spirituality.
As we are well aware of the changes which has taken place in the world, not only recently, but for generations. Materialism has become the magnet of our moral compass. Often we explain this as an evil force. Darkness is not the enemy; it is absence of light.
Many generations has abused their freedom, taking advantage of it for personal gain and selfish reasons. We have been challenged to introduce to the world a freedom that does not challenge the sovereignty of HaShem and none of us are excluded from the responsibility of Torah learning and teaching what HaShem wants of us and our generation.
We must recognize that we live in an amazing time, nothing that happens is random, but all decreed by HaShem. The Chovos Halevavos writes that if we understand that it is only HaShem who determines whether we gain or lose, we would no longer be a slave of our own Mitzrayim.
The Thirteen Tenets of Emunah by the Rambam, is the belief that HaShem governs all created beings. One of the ten minimum requirements for Jews is that we have to realize that whenever we receive anything from another person, that this comes directly from HaShem.
" All matters in the world - whether good or bad - are a test " - Mesilas Yesharim, perek 1
Anything that happens to us, in any situation we find ourselves in, is a personal test handpicked by HaShem. The purpose of these tests are not meant as a punishment, but elevation. To connect to HaShem and place our worries in His hands allows us to serve HaShem with joy. A Jew is required Ivdu et HaShem b'Simcha ( Tehillim 100: 2). Talking to HaShem in our davening helps us strengthen our Emunah and Bitachon, and expressing Hakaras HaTov for all HaShem is doing for us.
HaShem hides behind everything we experience, to allow us free will. We have free will to view everything that happens as a coincidence or by Divine decreed.
Bitachon is close related to emunah, and we know that everything that HaShem does is good. The true meaning of Bitachon is that we place our trust in HaShem, which is beyond having faith in Him. We only have control over our own lives, through surrendering and trusting HaShem.
We do function much better with Bitachon, and leaves us free to serve HaShem with all of our heart and soul. Through millennia of challenges, we have withstand every storm. We are challenged to belief and trust HaShem's plan.
May we be zoche to see the coming of the Moshiach and trust that the Moshiach will come with unwavering certainty, speedily in our days.