[Author Zvi] Mark claims that the messianic figure described in 'Scroll of Secrets' is a kind of reflection of Nachman himself. To be more exact, not only does Rabbi Nachman have a messianic mission, but the Messiah is an embodiment of all his qualities and abilities. It comes as no surprise, then, that the niggun, or Hasidic melody, that figures so highly in Rabbi Nachman's world, is slated to play a pivotal role in the messianic era..
One of the properties that Rabbi Nachman attributes to the niggun is the ability to bring back souls who have 'fallen into apostasy.' But the real role of the niggun, it seems, is to draw listeners into a dance so pleasurable and uplifting that they forget all else. The power of the niggun induces a state of mystical ecstasy. And here we find that the mission of the future Messiah will also be achieved through the niggun: 'He will produce new musical instruments and melodies because he will be a great master of the niggun.' These musical innovations will so charm and delight people that they will accept his authority
This is one of the more appealing and harmonious messianic concepts I've encountered.
One way or another, many readers will be happy to hear about the pacifist, humanist and universalist nature of the Messiah as envisioned by Rabbi Nachman. It is a refreshing break from the militaristic messianism spouted by extremist groups today, from the territorial-nationalist messianism of Gush Emunim to the personal messianism promoted by certain messianic streams in Chabad.
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