א׳ תשרי ה׳תק״ז - הבעל שם טוב שואל את משיח, מתי תבוא

1. The Baal Shem Tov’s Encounter on Rosh Hashanah 1757

On Rosh Hashanah in the year Taf Kuf Zayin—1757, a remarkable event took place involving the Baal Shem Tov. We have discussed previously who the Baal Shem Tov was, his miraculous birth, and his unique role in Jewish history. On this particular Rosh Hashanah, he experienced an extraordinary spiritual ascent and asked Mashiach directly: “When are you coming?” This question was not answered with a date. Instead, Mashiach responded that his arrival would be when the wellsprings of Hasidic teaching—the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov—would be spread outward, to the outside world.

2. The Spiritual Ascent and Vision

The Baal Shem Tov himself wrote about this experience. He describes how, on Rosh Hashanah of that year, he made an elevation of his soul—a spiritual aliyah—ascending through various spiritual levels and names, a process known as hashba’ot. He notes that he saw wondrous things in his vision, unlike anything he had seen before since becoming conscious of himself. Recognizing the great danger inherent in such a spiritual journey, he requested that his teacher accompany him. This teacher is understood to be Achiya HaShiloni, who taught him all the secrets of Torah.

3. Entering the Chamber of Mashiach

The Baal Shem Tov recounts ascending from one level to another until reaching the chamber (heichal) where Mashiach was present. There, Mashiach was studying Torah together with all the Tano’im—the authors of the Mishnah—as well as other righteous individuals and the seven shepherds (shiv’a ro’im): Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Dovid, and Shlomo. He observed an overwhelming joy among all present but did not initially understand its cause.

4. The Joy in Heaven and Its Meaning

At first, the Baal Shem Tov thought perhaps this joy signified that he was about to leave this world and join them above. However, they reassured him that he was not yet destined to die. Instead, there was great delight above due to what was happening below—specifically through the special yichudim—unifications—and Torah teachings he was accomplishing in this world. Even so, he remained uncertain about the full reason for their happiness.

5. The Question to Mashiach and His Response

The pivotal moment came when the Baal Shem Tov asked Mashiach: Emosai asi mar?—“When will you come?” Mashiach replied: “This is how you will know: When your teachings—the Hasidus you are spreading—are revealed throughout the world and your wellsprings are spread outward (yafutzu maynesecha chutzah). That which I have taught you and that which you have grasped will become widespread.” This response became immortalized in song: “Emosai kosimar li ksheyafutzu maynesecha chutzah…” expressing longing for redemption through spreading Hasidus.

6. Our Role in Spreading Hasidus Today

When we gather to study together and recount stories of the Baal Shem Tov or delve into Hasidic teachings, we are actively fulfilling this directive from Mashiach himself. By learning and reflecting upon these teachings and sharing them with others, we participate in hastening Mashiach’s arrival. These are truly “the wellsprings of Mashiach,” and our engagement with them brings us closer to redemption.

7. Hope for Redemption Before Rosh Hashanah

As we approach another Rosh Hashanah, our hope is renewed that through our study and dissemination of Hasidus we will merit to see Mashiach’s coming speedily in our days—perhaps even before this upcoming Rosh Hashanah itself.