What Really Happens When Prophecy Fails: The Case of Lubavitch

Sociology of Religion, Fall, 2001 by Simon Dein

The Rebbe's statement had a profound effect on the Stamford Hill Lubavitchers. Moshiach became a major topic of conversation, along with discussion of life after the redemption. Issues such as the types of food permitted after the redemption, were frequently discussed. One discussion centred around whether people would still have bodies at this time. Within a short time, Lubavitchers began to discuss not just the imminent arrival of moshiach, but the idea that the Rebbe himself was the most likely candidate to be moshiach. Books and seminars relating to messianic topics were published, and special Messiah Awareness Days were held in Stamford Hill. One Rabbi stated:

Today, only one person fulfils the criteria for Moshiach. This is the Lubavitcher Rebbe. If pressed, all Lubavitchers will say he is Moshiach. There is no other candidate. We are nearly out of our predicament now. Many miraculous things are happening, such as the fall of Communism. Redemption is not yet here but we are in the beginnings of it. There is some debate among Lubavitchers concerning the Moshiach campaign. What is the best way to conduct it? Some say we should not say the Rebbe is Moshiach. I disagree with this. I feel that Lubavitchers must say that the Rebbe is Moshiach. I personally feel one cannot talk about one without the other. If you are seriously minded, there is nothing wrong with saying the Rebbe is Moshiach. It will not turn people off.

Lubavitchers were divided between those who believed that they should publicly announce that the Rebbe was the messiah, and those who strongly disagreed with this. As the messiah campaign grew in intensity, other ultra-orthodox Jewish groups, who were not sympathetic to the Lubavitch cause, publicly criticized Lubavitch. In February 1992, Rabbi Shach, himself an eminent Rabbi, branded the Lubavitcher Rebbe as a heretic, who harboured messianic pretensions.

In March 1992, the Rebbe suffered a stroke which rendered him speechless and paralysed him on the right-hand side of his body. Despite his profound incapacity to look after himself, his followers described the stroke as "mild." Following this, he was unable to give "Dollars," but his followers continued to write to him for blessings. His secretary would read the letters to him, following which he would gesticulate an answer by moving his head up or down. In Brooklyn, he would be seen frequently, but unpredictably, at prayer services, sometimes twice a day and sometimes less than once a week. In order to ensure that his followers would be present when he came out, his followers carried "Moshiach" bleepers which flashed "M H M is on the platform" (meaning Melech ha Moshiach -- King Moshiach).

In April 1993, a "Moshiach Awareness" caravan tour was held in Stamford Hill. A motorcade of three specially prepared caravans known as "Mitzvah Tanks" embarked on a tour around Britain to provide information about the concept of moshiach, and its significance for Jewish life and belief. It was launched by the Mayor of Hackney, while a Hasidic band offered musical entertainment. A public discussion was held on the grounds of Lubavitch House in Stamford Hill which focussed on a number of messianic issues, including one talk entitled "Taking the first steps towards miracle making."