End of Days
How Repentance Sparks Redemption: A Practical Guide
From a nationwide inner stirring to prayers for God’s sovereignty, the House of David, and the Temple
(Photo: shutterstock)Maimonides (the Rambam) writes “Israel will be redeemed only through repentance, and the Torah has already promised that, at the end of their exile, Israel will do teshuvah (return), and immediately they will be redeemed.” (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:5)
If We’re Waiting for Everyone — When Will It Happen?
If redemption arrives after the Jewish people repent, when will we ever be redeemed?
Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi quotes the Shomer Emunim with a compelling answer: Before Mashiach comes, an event will awaken hearts across the nation, prompting at least a thought of teshuvah — even brief inner reflection. According to this view, God will plant that stirring in people’s hearts, and in His abundant mercy He will count even that reflection by itself as fulfilling the Rambam’s condition that “Israel are redeemed only through teshuvah.”
The Secret to Hastening Redemption
In the days of Rechavam (Rehoboam), the people rejected three things:
The Kingship of Heaven (accepting God’s sovereignty).
The Kingship of the House of David.
The Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple).
Rabbi Shimon ben Menasya taught that no sign will be shown to Israel until they seek these three things again. Beyond personal repentance, the “secret” to bringing redemption closer includes:
Setting aside personal agendas,
Strengthening our desire to be redeemed, and
Actively asking (in prayer and study) for:
Malchut Shamayim – the Kingship of Heaven
Malchut Beit David – the Kingship of the House of David
Beit HaMikdash – the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.
Redemption hinges on how deeply we want it, and on our yearning for God’s sovereignty to be recognized in the world. May we merit the complete and speedy redemption, soon in our days.
