Society places a premium on patience and politeness. No one appreciates being told what to do or being pressured into anything and we are trained to suggest and advise change rather than demanding it.
If this is true regarding our interpersonal relationships it follows that our interactions with G-d should follow the same trend. That’s why some people were queasy when the Rebbe launched a massive campaign to demand Moshiach’s arrival. “We Want Moshiach Now!” became the motto of the international Jewish Kids Club (Tzivos Hashem) the Rebbe established in 1980 and the Rebbe reiterated its importance at every opportunity.
Some argued that the approach was improper and impolite. How can you demand something like that from G-d? He sent us into exile and will bring Moshiach when He sees fit. Will demanding even help?
On Sunday we will celebrate Pesach Sheini - the Second Passover. Nowadays we mark the day by simply eating some matzah, without the drama of ridding ourselves of all Chametz or having an elaborate all-night seder. But the history of this minor holiday reveals a powerful element of the Jewish psyche that we ought to tap into sooner than later.
One year after the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were told that on the 14th of Nissan they shall offer the Passover Sacrifice in the newly inaugurated Tabernacle and eat the meat that evening, as they had done one year earlier on the eve of redemption. From then on this Passover Sacrifice represented the birth of the Jewish nation and the eternal freedom granted to us 3,331 years ago.
Since the sacrifice is offered in the Tabernacle or Holy Temple one needs to be in a state of ritual purity. If one were to participate in a funeral and have contact with the dead body, for example, they would need to go through a seven day purification process in order to participate in the Passover Sacrifice and seder tradition.(It is important to note that ritual impurity can happen as a result of doing a mitzvah, such as burying the dead, and it is not indication of wrongdoing at all.)
The coffin of Yoseph, the famed Jewish viceroy of Egypt, accompanied the Israelites to the Land of Israel and his pallbearers were unable to be purified in time for Passover. Although they fully understood why they were barred from participating and appreciated the fact that they were charged with an important mission, nevertheless they approached Moshe and demanded “Why should we lose out from the opportunity to offer the Passover Sacrifice?”
Responding to their demand, G-d decreed that thirty days later, the 14th of Iyar, would be make-up time for anyone that was unable to offer the Passover Sacrifice on time. We demanded it and we got it.
In the absence of the Holy Temple most Mitzvot are impossible to observe. Every extra moment in exile means more time that Judaism cannot function as it should. It behooves us to demand this all change now.
So the next time you say “We Want Moshiach Now” don’t feel self conscious. The more strongly and incessantly we demand it the faster we will get it and usher in an era all of humanity desperately needs - NOW!