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May G-d fulfill the desires of the hearts of each individual for good in the immediate future, including in inscription for a good and sweet year in all matters both of an individual and communal nature. May everyone have a successful year in his material affairs, spiritual affairs, study of Torah, fulfillment of mitzvos, and in particular, in the service of prayer. May this all be carried out with happiness and joy.

In particular, may we all, to quote the Previous Rebbe, "stand prepared to greet Mashiach" and proceed to the ultimate and complete redemption which will come immediately. This redemption will come about through the spreading of the wellsprings of Chassidus -- and the totality of Torah and mitzvos -- outward in a manner of spreading light. Whoever adds to this service is praiseworthy.

May all the requests mentioned in the "pan" (ÖöÉ Åàëâö) be fulfilled, and in regard to matters where additions were in place, may there be an increase, for in good there are no limits. And may the ultimate blessing, the Messianic redemption come immediately, today, Erev Rosh Hashanah.

The Tur, based on the Midrash, explains that on Erev Rosh Hashanah the Jews are already confident that they will receive a year of blessing and therefore, dress in a festive manner.

An added dimension to the above comes this year when Erev Rosh HaShanah is also Erev Shabbos. On Erev Shabbos, a Jew is involved with preparations for the Shabbos, hurrying to prepare all his Shabbos needs. Furthermore, on Erev Shabbos, one tastes the Shabbos foods and tastes the Shabbos atmosphere.

This reflects the creation of man, which also took place on Erev Shabbos. He was created on this day "in order to find everything prepared for a feast" and "in order to enter into the feast immediately." Similarly, on Erev Rosh HaShanah, we should complete all our preparations for Shabbos, including Shabbos in the larger sense, the Messianic Era, and hurry into that era of Shabbos which will include the feast of the Leviathan and the Wild Ox.

Additional influence comes from the fact that Erev Rosh Hashanah is the Tzemach Tzedek's[288] birthday, the day on which the spiritual source of his soul shines powerfully. In particular, this year is the 200th anniversary of his birth. In this context, everyone -- men, women, and children -- should use this day in the fullest way to spread his teachings in P'nimiyus HaTorah and the emphasis he placed on prayer and also to give a special gift of Tzedakah, a gift in multiples of 200 in honor of the occasion.[289]

In this manner, this day, the conclusion of the entire year, will be filled with Torah, mitzvos, and good deeds and grant the potential that -- together with the entire Jewish people, men, women, and children, we will hurry to the Messianic redemption. The last moment of exile will become the first moment of redemption. May it be now, immediately. A kesivah vachasimah tovah for a good and sweet year.

   

Notes:

288. (Back to text) As mentioned on several occasions, both the names Tzemach and Tzedek are related to the Messianic redemption.

289. (Back to text) This amount can even be given by children (i.e., 200 pennies). Giving more (200 of another coin or 200 dollars) will increase all the positive factors mentioned above.