With the King in the Field

Free translation of a discourse by
the Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Eve of the New Moon of Elul 5746/1986

by Rabbi David Rothschild

Introduction

King Solomon writes in Song of Songs, "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine". The verse serves as an acronym, hinting to the month of Elul. During Elul is when G-d shines His Thirteen Attributes of Compassion.

The first Rebbe of Chabad developed a parable to convey the mystic secret of Elul. A King returns to his city following a long absence. The city's inhabitants stream out to the countryside to greet him. Out in the fields, they are entitled and empowered to receive his countenance. The king, in turn, graciously receives and radiates gladness to them all.

In "With the King in the Field," the Lubavitcher Rebbe analyzes the king in the field parable. We discover the cause for our yearning to G-d during the month of Elul. Lessons are developed which apply to our spiritual conduct throughout the year.

A Midrash asserts, "In the Future, Jerusalem will spread over all of the Land of Israel and Israel will expand over the entire world." We learn from the Torah that in Messianic Times, three additional Cites of Refuge will be added to Israel. Rashi reveals that they will be located in a land mass east of present day Israel. What is the inner meaning of the Midrash and Rashi.

In the Future Era, the entire world's Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge will be vanquished. Does this relate to us today? How does this statement correlate to Torah verses and Talmudic teachings?

In the Third Temple, the Levites' harp will have an unprecedented ten strings. What do they hint to? And how is this relevant to our Divine service during the month of Elul.

To glean an understanding of the secrets of the month of Elul, click here for "With the King in the Field."

Full text is 2000 words approx.