A Call to Action for Geulah
The Ba’al Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, revolutionized the spiritual landscape of Yiddishkeit. His teachings and profound connection to Hashem ignited a flame in the hearts of Yidden worldwide. Among his most famous and transformative revelations is a story he shared in a letter to his brother-in-law, Reb Gershon Kitover, recounting an extraordinary experience on Rosh Hashanah 5507 (1746).
In a state of unparalleled deveykus, deep spiritual attachment to Hashem, the Ba’al Shem Tov experienced an Aliyas Neshama, an ascent of the soul, during which he encountered the soul of Moshiach. Overwhelmed by this holy encounter, the Ba’al Shem Tov cried out:
“אימתי קאתי מר?”
“Moshiach! When are you going to finally come? When will you, our master, usher in the Geulah?”
Moshiach’s response was simple yet deeply profound:
.“לכשיפוצו מעיינותיך החוצה” “When your wellsprings spread outward”
These words carried a clear and urgent message: Moshiach would come when the wellsprings of Torah—its deepest, most life-giving teachings—flow freely and reach every corner of the world. Torah is often compared to water, the essential source of life that nourishes, purifies, and sustains. Moshiach was telling the Ba’al Shem Tov that the key to geulah lay in spreading the wellsprings of Torah, ensuring its light illuminates the darkest places and its wisdom touches every soul.
This revelation became the cornerstone of the Ba’al Shem Tov’s mission. His life’s work was dedicated to sharing the depth, joy, and warmth of Torah and mitzvos with the world, inspiring Yidden from all walks of life to deepen their connection to Hashem. Through his teachings, he revealed that every act of learning Torah, every mitzvah performed with joy, and every effort to refine one’s middos (character traits) contributes to the spreading of these wellsprings and brings the world closer to geulah.
This call to action remains as relevant today as it was in the Ba’al Shem Tov’s time. Each of us carries a unique wellspring within, a source of Torah, light, goodness, and G-dliness that has the potential to overflow and touch others. By sharing the beauty of Yiddishkeit with those around us, through words, actions, or even the way we live, we advance this holy mission. When we live with joy, immerse ourselves in Torah, and strengthen our bond with Hashem, we actively participate in hastening the arrival of Moshiach.
This song was written as a reminder of the power we hold. It calls on each of us to allow our מעיינות, our wellsprings, to flow outward, filling the world with holiness and light. Every moment spent learning Torah, every mitzvah fulfilled with love, and every act of kindness is a ripple in the spiritual waters that will ultimately lead to the Geulah.
The Ba’al Shem Tov’s vision is alive in each of us. Let us spread the wellsprings far and wide, bringing the light of Torah to every corner of the world and actively welcoming the Geulah into our lives.
Song Name: Likisheyafutuzu
Artist: Naftali Kempeh
Lyrics
כְּשֶׁהַבַּעַל שֵׁם טוֹב הַקָדוֹשׁ הִגִּיעַ
,לְהֵיכָלוֹ שֶׁל מָשִׁיחַ
וְשָׁאַל אֵימָתַי
?מָתַי הוּא כְּבַר יַגִּיעַ
לִכְשֶׁיָּפוּצוּ
מַעְיְנֹתֶיךָ חוּצָה
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 29.