Esav is Ready

Lubavitcher Rebbe, Vayishlach 5752 (1992)

When Yaakov confronted Esav, although Yaakov was prepared for the Redemption Esav was not, and the task of refining Esav and the material worlds associated with him had to continue for centuries. In the present age, however, to borrow an expression from the Previous Rebbe, "We have already polished the buttons." The task of refinement which was entrusted to the Jews has been completed. This is particularly true because of the influence of Yud-Tes Kislev which is associated with the spreading of the wellsprings of Chassidus outward. In each subsequent generation and particularly due to the influence of the Previous Rebbe, the teachings of Chassidus have spread further and have now permeated every different element of existence.

Thus we are now living in a new era with a new service. Instead of concentrating on the refinement of the world, our efforts must focus on revealing the Redemption. The Era of Redemption which is described with the analogy of a feast, is a present reality, all that is necessary is for us to open our eyes and see.