Op-Ed: Is 770 Expansion Premature?

by Levik Jacobson

When Hashem showed Yechezkel the vision of the Third Beis Hamikdosh, Yechezkel cried, “Why should I tell the Yidden if you’re not prepared to build it yet?” Hashem responded, that when the Yidden will learn about the Beis Hamikdosh He will consider it as if they are involved in actually building it[1].

For hundreds of years we begin Shacharis (before Hudu) and end Shacharis (Shmone Esre) with the same tefilla, “May it be Your will… that the Beis Hamikdosh be rebuilt speedily in our days…”.

In Kuntres Beis Rabeinu Shebibavel[2], the Rebbe calls for everyone to be involved in expanding 770 and the Rebbe equates this with the Halacha in Rambam about the Beis Hamikdosh: “Everyone is obligated to build and to assist both personally and financially[3].”

Just as Hashem told Yechezkel to speak to the Yidden about the Third Beis Hamikdosh even before it was possible to be built, and just like we daven for the Beis Hamikdosh even before all the issues in the world are resolved, we must not wait to support expansion only once every issue in Lubavitch is resolved!

We have the ability to fulfill the Rebbe’s wishes that 770 be expanded now, stop waiting for issues to be resolved or for others to do their part. YOU must, “Do everything that YOU can[4],” to bring about the expansion. The Beis Hamikdosh is waiting for YOU to get involved.

Get involved now with your donation on Expand770.com, and by promoting and encouraging the expansion in your sphere of influence. Expand770.com also has a list of initiatives that you can join to become an active promoter of expansion. Hashem will surely consider our promoting and encouraging the expansion of 770, as if we are already expanding.

“May it be G-d’s will that even prior to the enlargement and expansion of Beis Rabbeinu the future Beis Hamikdosh should be revealed[5]!”

[1] Midrash Tanchuma Tzav 14

[2] Chapter 8 and footnote 105

[3] Hilchos Beit Habechirah 1:12

[4] 28 Nissan 5751

[5] Kuntres Beis Rabeinu ch. 8