Dot-to-Dot

Do you remember doing dot-to-dot puzzles as a child? To a preschooler, connecting the dots could be difficult, even aggravating. It takes patience to stay focused and complete the puzzle, especially as a young child can't see the total picture that the connected dots will create. When you were a little older (and certainly as an adult), it was easier to visualize the picture the dots would fashion even without connecting them.
Each dot stands on its own and each dot is a necessary and integral part of the whole picture.

At a public gathering, the Rebbe related the story of a young Jewish girl who, after learning about Shabbat candles, pressed her mother to allow her to fulfill this special commandment. Dot.
The Rebbe described how this ritual awakened the mother's interest in Jewish observance, pushing her to take her own steps forward. Dot.

The candle-lighting campaign is just one of many "dots" the Rebbe encouraged people to place on their own personal work of art.

Boys over Bar Mitzva and men wearing tefilin each weekday. Dot. Giving charity, even just a small coin each weekday. Dot. Loving one's fellow Jew. Dot. Married couples observing the laws of family purity. Dot. Keeping the kosher dietary laws. Dot. Having mezuzot on one's doors. Dot. Studying Torah. Dot. Having Jewish books in one's home. Dot. Jewish kids getting a Jewish education. Dot.

The dot by dot philosophy is the Rebbe's approach not just for each person's individualized illustration but for the transformation of the entire world as well. For G-d's intent in creating this world was that it be transformed into the picture-perfect era of Redemption: a pain and war free universe, where all people will live together harmoniously.

How do we accomplish such a seemingly monumental task as the transformation of the entire world to good? Through the small, good deeds - dots - of people across the globe:

"Moshiach is ready to come now," the Rebbe told CNN reporters. "It is only on our part to increase in acts of goodness and kindness." Dot.

Each individual's small strides, join the dots on the huge artwork-in-progress which, when completed, will display the Rebbe's vision that powers his leadership. It is a vision that began forming when he was just a young child, a vision of "the Redemption of the Jewish people from their final exile, a Redemption of such magnitude that through it will be understood the suffering, the terrible decrees, persecution and oppression of the exile..."

May our dots and deeds be joined to create the ultimate masterpiece with Moshiach NOW!