An episode of The Alef in Conversation podcast features a discussion with Rabbi Yosef “Yaya” Wilhelm, offering insights into teaching about Moshiach—not as an abstract concept, but as a mission that energizes every part of Jewish life.
“Moshiach isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live with,” said Rabbi Wilhelm who together with his wife Devora lead Chabad Young Professionals of the Upper East Side. “If you’re not genuinely passionate about it, the message won’t resonate.”
Hosted by Rabbi Levik Gourarie, Director of The Alef, a project of The Moshiach Office at Merkos 302, the conversation explores how teaching Moshiach requires more than knowledge—it demands personal connection, authentic excitement, and a sense of purpose. The rabbi emphasized that passion sparks curiosity, and deep learning transforms teaching into a heartfelt experience.
The discussion highlighted the emotional and spiritual challenges of awaiting Moshiach, comparing it to dating with the ultimate goal of marriage, staying committed even when the journey feels long. “We need to stay focused on the goal, even through the frustrations,” he said.
One of the most inspiring takeaways was the receptiveness of today’s young adults and youth. “Young people are craving meaning,” as the Rabbi of the largest young Jewish professional community in the world, Rabbi Wilhelm noted. “When we teach Moshiach with depth and conviction, they’re not just open—they’re hungry for it.”
“Our goal with The Alef in Conversation is to help shluchim, educators, and Chassidim explore how to teach the concepts of Moshiach,” said Rabbi Shlomie Naparstek, Director of the Moshiach Office at Merkos 302. “These conversations offer real tools for sharing Geulah in a relatable, personal way.”
“One of the refreshing aspects of this conversation is the window afforded to the public to the mind of today’s shliach,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “While peripherally, it may appear that the bulk of attention is on the technicals and logistics, at the heart of every shliach’s mission is the constant conversation of how to impart true ideals of purpose and the ultimate result of Moshiach into the awareness of their communities.”
This episode complements The Alef Lessons (TheAlef.co), a groundbreaking learning short from the Moshiach Office designed to make the Rebbe’s vision of Geulah accessible across age groups and backgrounds through engaging and relevant content. It is available in English, Spanish, and will soon be translated into Hebrew. Make a free account to access all past papers and topics on the Alef Library.
Tune in to hear how teaching Moshiach with passion and purpose is igniting hearts and minds—and inspiring a generation to live with Geulah today.
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Such exciting news! This has been a great resource — engaging and inspiring for young professionals. Moshiach is about breaking barriers, sparking innovation, and most of all, making it happen!
It’s easy for young professionals to tap into the energy of Moshiach — they can relate to it and use their personal journey to connect with the themes of breaking barriers and innovation in Chassidus and reveling the Yechidah of the world.