What Happens Before the Final Redemption? Insights from the Chofetz Chaim

The Chofetz Chaim extensively discussed the sensory belief in the coming of our righteous Messiah. Regarding the delay in the Messiah's arrival, the Chofetz Chaim cautioned against despair, stating, "We must not, Heaven forbid, despair because of the delay, especially since the prophet foretold the delay, saying, 'Even if it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come.'"

The Chofetz Chaim often reiterated that every hardship faced by a Jew is part of the exile, and all should be accounted for, urging us to pray for the Messiah to come soon, for "when he arrives, all sorrows will naturally cease."

"When our righteous Messiah comes, he will not forget any Jew. Even a solitary Jew in a remote, distant place will be brought back," the Chofetz Chaim told Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman. "At the end of our exile, it will be as it was at the end of the Egyptian exile, as it is written: 'As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show you wonders,'" he added.

The Chofetz Chaim taught that the essence of the War of Gog and Magog and its primary danger is the battle between faith and heresy, where many will be tested, purged, and refined. The test will be clear and every soul will face difficult trials of faith and integrity, and only a soul that stands firm will be worthy to behold the glory of Hashem and His return to Zion with mercy.

Rabbi Sholom Schwadron shared, quoting the supervisor Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein zt"l, that he heard from the Chofetz Chaim that there would be a second war, overshadowing World War I. The listeners were filled with dread — and I dared to ask the supervisor, while seeking forgiveness: Why discuss such harsh matters? We should pray, after the war that occurred, that such a decree does not come, so why speak of these things?

The supervisor, Rabbi Yechezkel, became passionate, like a pillar of fire, and replied, "You did not understand the essence of what the Chofetz Chaim meant. He primarily referred to a darkness in faith. The darkness of faith in World War I was child's play compared to the darkness during World War II, and the darkness in faith that will be during the third war — everything that preceded will seem like a game, and we are in the midst of this battle now! It is a progression of a hidden face from one war to another. They also send a few rifles — but that's not the essence of the war." (from the book 'Ask Your Father and He Will Tell You')

The Chofetz Chaim would say that before the final redemption, the forces of impurity will greatly intensify, and he explained the reason: "It is the nature of things. Before something concludes, it gathers all its remaining strength. Just like a candle before it goes out, and similarly the darkness before dawn."

The Chofetz Chaim also added: "In all wars, during the battle one cannot know who will be the victor, but in this war, we clearly know the outcome, as it is written: 'And the spirit of impurity I will remove from the earth, and Hashem will be king over all the earth.'" (written to an inquirer from Israel and published in 'Collection of Essays and Letters').

The Rabbi of Ponevezh recalled the Chofetz Chaim's explanation of Isaiah's prophecy: "And kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers." Is this the message to Israel for the times of the Messiah that the foreign king and princess will care for their children?! Rather, in the days of the Messiah, converts will not be accepted, and Gentiles will not be able to convert and join under the wings of the Divine Presence. But those who witness Israel's honor will long to serve them, and every craftsman will exploit their skills to serve Israel. But what will the pampered royals, who have never tried their hands at labor, do? Thus, they will offer themselves as foster parents and wet nurses... Here, the Chofetz Chaim stunned his audience with a sudden cry: "But he has not yet come..." and burst into great weeping. ('The Rabbi of Ponevezh', Part A, p. 60)

How to Endure the Trials of the Messiah in the End Times? Neither the exact timeframe nor the full details of these trials are explicitly known, yet Rabbi Zamir Cohen offers a foundational and captivating lesson on prophecies that have come true in the past and those of future redemption. Watch:

What Should We Do? 5 Tips from the Chofetz Chaim

1. Pray - The Chofetz Chaim would say that while the Messiah will certainly come in his time, "we must not be silent." That is, it is our duty to pray and ask for his speedy arrival to redeem us. "The problem," the Chofetz Chaim continued with sadness, "is that many of us do not remember the importance of the Messiah's coming and redemption. Many of us do not truly expect the Messiah, and thus the redemption is delayed."

2. Reading Genesis Chapter 1 - Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Poupko, who served the Chofetz Chaim in Radin for many years, testifies that he saw the Chofetz Chaim repeatedly read the Creation story from the beginning of the portion to 'And it was completed,' to strengthen faith in our Blessed Creator. Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman said, "We live in a time that requires strategies to strengthen our faith."

To read the portion, click here or here.