From the Rebbe’s explanations:
– The Rambam explains: “Knowing that G‑d sends His prophecies through people is fundamental” (“Hilchot Yesodot ha-Torah”, Perek 7). As a cardinal principle of the Torah, it is relevant in every era. And especially now, as we’re getting closer to the time of Mashiach and Geulah.
Our Sages tell us “that from the time the later prophets, Chaggai, Zecharia and Malachi left the world, Ruach ha-Kodesh departed from Israel” (“Yoma”, 9B). Nevertheless, the word “departed” does not mean that it was revoked completely.
The spirit of prophecy did not cease, but rather ascended to a higher plane becoming less evident and accessible.
Indeed, even after the era of the later prophets, the spirit of prophecy permeated many people. This can also be understood from the fact that, in the “Mishneh Torah”, the Rambam does not mention the cessation of prophecy, nor that the spirit of prophecy can flourish only during a specific time.
Moreover, in his “Message to Teiman” (“Iggeret Teiman”), the Rambam writes that “as a preparatory step for the coming of Mashiach… prophecy will return to Israel.” Why? The answer is, that in order to receive the revelations of the Geulah, we must first experience a foretaste of this new era. This comes about through prophetic vision.
This can explain why the Rambam deals with the prophecy of Moshe at such length, explaining that it reflects a higher level of prophecy than experienced by all other prophets. On the surface, this is merely a historical fact. What could be the purpose of discussing it in a book of law, intended for the Jewish people of later generations? Moreover, when Mashiach comes, Moshe Rabeinu will come back and his unique nature will become self-evident. So why does the Rambam mention this ruling now?
The reason for this is that this discussion has practical implications in every generation.
It’s said in the “Shoftim” Torah reading:
“G‑d will set up for you a prophet from your midst, from your brothers, like me [that is, like Moshe Rabbeinu], and you shall hearken to him” (“Devarim”, 18:15).
This remains in force at all times. Every prophet is a continuation of the prophecy of Moshe and his Torah (even though, as the Rambam explains, there can be different levels of revelation).
In our generation, these concepts were personified by the leader of the generation –
the Rebbe Rayatz [and the Rebbe himself, although he does not mention this fact directly].
By appreciating the return of the prophecy and the prophets, we can better understand the uniqueness of the current moment. All the service required of the Jewish people in the “exile” – Galut – has been completed. To borrow an expression of the Rebbe Rayatz, even “the buttons have been polished.” Now we are on the cusp of the real and ultimate Geulah – and we can have a glimpse of this new era through the prophecy which has come back to Bnei Israel.
Based on the Rebbe’s talk on Shabbat Parashat “Shoftim”, 5751. Free commented translation.
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