אות - לה

The Rebbe said, “Great atheism is coming to the world.” 47 See “ His Wisdom ” #220. For a reason, see Kokhavey Or , p. 97, note 19.

Many times he told us that the world’s many sins are resulting in great unbelief. Happy is he who is strong in his faith in these times.

The Rebbe said that the fact he is predicting this will not prevent this Godlessness and confusion from increasing, and it would still be necessary to fortify one’s faith.

Thousands of years ago, Daniel and others also predicted that this would happen in the days before the Mashiach. They said, “Many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white. The wicked will act wickedly, and only the wise will understand” (Daniel 12:10) . It has therefore already been predicted that there will be great temptations before the Mashiach’s coming, when “many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white” in faith. Fortunate indeed is one who resists these temptations and remains firm in his belief. He will be worthy of all the good promised to us by the prophets and sages of old.

Knowing full well that this has already been predicted, it would seem ridiculous for a person to succumb to any temptation to abandon his beliefs. It would seem obvious that every Jew would have enough intelligence to remain firm. But still, it is a great trial. Many will fall away, and for this reason it is written that “the wicked will act wickedly.”

The Rebbe said, “Still, I am revealing this for the sake of the faithful few who will remain strong in their belief. They will certainly have great conflicts within. But when they see that this has already been predicted, it will give them additional strength and encouragement.”