Shabbos Chazon, Exile, and Redemption

 

The Rebbe transforms the painful period of Bein HaMetzarim (Three Weeks) into an empowering time filled with hope. Beneath the exile’s darkness lies a Divine purpose: preparation for the ultimate Redemption.

1. Shabbat Chazon & Parshat Devarim: Vision in Darkness

• Shabbat Chazon – “Shabbat of Vision”: Every Jew is shown a glimpse of the Third Temple (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev). Though it appears from afar, this vision plants the seeds of Redemption in a time of mourning.

• Parshat Devarim, always read on this Shabbat, marks a generational transition:

   - The “seeing” generation (from Egypt) lived with open miracles.

   - The new generation must rely on hearing – faith, effort, and growth.

• Hearing vs. Seeing:

   - Seeing = Total clarity, prophetic certainty (e.g., Moshe).

   - Hearing = Intellectual belief, challenged by doubt, but leads to inner transformation.

• Descent for the Sake of Ascent: The “hearing” generation entered and built the Land. Physical descent enables spiritual ascent – the goal of creation is to elevate the material world.

2. Shabbat Joy Amid Mourning

• Shabbat = Joy: Mourning is suspended on Shabbat. Even during the Three Weeks, Shabbat joy intensifies, revealing a taste of the World to Come.

• Why Greater Joy? Because exile is not just a loss – it is a preparation for something greater. Like demolishing to rebuild stronger (soser al menat livnot), exile refines the world for Redemption.

• Halachic Significance: On Shabbat Chazon, one may feast “like in King Solomon’s days.” This reflects deep, internal joy and signals the Redemption’s light beginning to shine through.

3. The Inner Meaning of Exile

• The Bris Bein HaBesarim Paradox: Why is exile foretold at a covenant of love? Because exile is not punishment – it’s part of the plan, rooted in G-d’s unconditional love.

• The Cherubim Mystery:

   - Gemara: Cherubim turn away during sin.

   - Midrash: At the Temple’s destruction, they faced each other.

   - Chassidus: Externally – judgment. Internally – Divine love. Even destruction is part of Redemption.

• Mashal (Analogy): A Rebbe pauses teaching to grasp a deeper truth. The student feels abandoned – but only because the Rebbe is preparing something greater. So too, G-d’s “withdrawal” is a setup for unprecedented light.

• Historical Pattern: Darkness intensifies before Redemption. Egypt’s worst suffering came just before the Exodus. So too, today’s spiritual confusion (Ikvesa D'Meshicha) heralds Mashiach.

4. Living With This Knowledge

• No Despair: G-d’s concealment is only external. Internally, His love and Redemption are nearer than ever.

• Knowledge is Power: Understanding exile’s purpose fortifies our faith and keeps us spiritually strong.

• Our Response:

   1. Clarity – Recognize exile as purposeful concealment.

   2. Hiskashrus & Tzima’on – Deepen connection and longing for G-d. The more we yearn, the more we draw His light.

• Alter Rebbe’s Cry: “I don’t want Your Paradise... I want You alone!” This pure desire brings down the ultimate revelation.

Conclusion

The Rebbe teaches: Galut is not abandonment – it is preparation. Even in darkness, a higher light is forming. Shabbat Chazon becomes a beacon of hope, showing us not what we've lost – but what we are about to gain. By living with this awareness, and longing for G-d Himself, we hasten the Final Redemption, bimheira v’yameinu.

📘 Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 2