This fictitious parable is an expansion I developed on the “Aha!” parable about Moshiach told by the Tzemach Tzedek (3rd Rebbe of Chabad). The expansion helps illustrate the struggle and effect of our work now during Galus and its connection to Moshiach.
I’ve shared this a lot over the years, especially on the last day of Pesach at the Moshiach Meal, so it’s high time to finally post it here.
Two friends or two brothers were musically talented at a young age, they were prodigies!, and before long became accomplished musicians and composers. Then some accident occurs and they both become deaf. This is a tremendous loss to them as they can no longer hear and appreciate their greatest love and talent. “A” tries his hand again at music, but it is exceedingly frustrating and futile. So he uses his talent at painting. While it is another form of art, it is not what he’s wired for, and it’s a 2nd best. “B” refuses to give up on music. He continues to compose brilliant compositions based on the old associations he remembers between sound and musical notes, and the little vibrations that he can still sense. It is not easy in the slightest and can be quite strenuous and frustrating but he persists at it, he can’t imagine it any other way!
Imagine if a Cochlear implant, or some new medical breakthrough allows for an operation which will restore their hearing? Would either “A” or “B” deny it? Would they not rush for such an opportunity?
And say, they had the procedure done. And to celebrate their newly regained hearing they both go to a symphony in a great hall, composed by “B” during his deafness… Would there be a difference in how they appreciate the music? Well, both would be thrilled to hear their long-lost love and passion. It would be beautiful music to both of their ears. But it would be far richer for “B” to hear the very music he worked so hard to create without being able to hear its’ richness before.
Back in the Temple days, in the days of the prophets of old, back at Sinai, we were able to hear the cosmic music, the spiritual effects of our actions. It was evident. But once the exile hit, we are not longer able to hear that anymore. Rashi says that all the Mitzvot that we do during the exile are “signs” for what will be when Moshiach comes. According to Chassidus, this means that the good deeds we do today create spiritual “music” or cosmic effect, changing the world in hidden ways, which will be revealed in the times of Moshiach. Unfortunately, during Galut exile we are “deaf” to this spiritual music. All we can “feel” is a sense of it. We feel the “vibrations” so to speak, but not the “music” directly. But if we persist, and continue to create it, knowing that these “notes” have such meaning and such effect, we will actually be creating the effects of the days of Moshiach. And as the Rebbe repeatedly says, the revelations of the days of Moshiach are the results of our work and actions throughout the length of the Galus exile. The ultimate Redemption is more than a solution to the world’s problems, but more so, it is a time and era of divine revelation. Once we can hear the music, everything changes. But all that music will be the music written by people over the generations!