After his release from imprisonment in Petersburg, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi passed through the city of Vitebsk, where he was received by the city elders and community leaders. “Tell us, Rebbe,” he was asked, “when will the tribulations of Israel end? When will the redeemer finally come?”

Rabbi Schneur Zalman lowered his eyes to the ground and said softly: “But how can he come? The Moshiach that everyone wants will never come, and the true Moshiach, no one wants….”