Preparing for the Messiah: 9 Fascinating Questions About the End of Days

1. Will free choice disappear in the days of redemption, eliminating the evil inclination, and if so, why long for redemption?

Chafetz Chaim responds: "Indeed, the essence of serving Hashem is only now when evil exists in the world. However, we must long for the glory of Heaven to be revealed to all, and the pain over desecration of Hashem's name should outweigh any other considerations, prompting us to hope for divine glory to manifest in the world" (Shem Olam, Part 2, Chapter 18).

2. In every exile, there is spiritual darkness. How will the world reach correction amid this spiritual exile?

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler responds: "What benefit is there in exile? Indeed, generations diminish and move away from holiness and purity, but the truth is, when generations become smaller and the environment distances from Torah, the sanctity in any inclination towards Torah and serving Hashem grows immeasurably."

"Refer to 'Sefer Chassidim' (Sign 685) and 'Brit Olam' by the Chida of blessed memory, which cite Rabbi Chaim Vital, who questioned his teacher, the Ari of blessed memory, about the holiness of the Tannaim and Amoraim being so astonishing that a man of our generation cannot match even one in a thousand. The Rabbi replied that now the opposing forces have grown very strong, and the small deeds done now are considered as significant as those of the early sages" (Michtav Me'eliyahu, Part 4, p. 301).

3. What is the purpose of exile?

"The exiles that Israel has experienced among the nations are significant for awakening us to correct ourselves. Every exile serves as key lessons in serving Hashem, especially the exile we find ourselves in. According to all signs handed down by our sages (see Tractate Sotah, page 49), our generation is the generation of 'the footsteps of the Messiah.' We stand on the verge of a just redemption, and it's a great loss if we fail to understand the ways of divine conduct during our times, and don't appreciate the role incumbent upon us" (Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, Michtav Me'eliyahu, Part 3, p. 207).

Who will not arise in the resurrection of the dead? Why is it worthwhile to make an effort in fulfilling mitzvot before the arrival of the Messiah?

4. What is the trial of the fourth exile?

"Since the destruction of the Temple, the arrogance of the fourth kingdom has increased. In this exile, the concealment and darkness originating from Adam’s sin grow, materialistic perspectives multiply, overshadowing spirituality. Every generation sees scientific progress and exploitation of this world for human benefits, leading to increased human pride, as if everything is within their grasp. Heretical views boasting human superiority spread worldwide, challenging belief in Hashem and His Torah. This defines the fourth kingdom's exile, our final trial."

"The end of this exile is the period termed by our sages as 'the footsteps of the Messiah,' where insolence prevails ('Tractate Sotah, page 49'). The divine presence in exile is under the insolent hands of Israel – souls mixed with impurity exhibiting audacity against Heaven… utilizing arrogant influence to promote heretical ideologies, and standing brazenly against faith, Torah, and serving Hashem" (Rabbi Dessler, 'Michtav Me'eliyahu').

5. What will those who withstand the trial of the fourth exile receive?

"Those who confidently and resiliently stand firm in the tough trial against the false views of self-reliance ('My strength and the power of my hand'), unswayed by brazen disbelief, and instead strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in Torah and the teachings of our sages, dedicating themselves fully to internal spiritual work – they will merit complete redemption by our righteous Messiah soon. Upon them, the supreme light will shine again – the true knowledge of the ultimate truth, the light of Gan Eden, rectifying all darkness since Adam's sin, reaching completion in this lower world, and revealing the glorious majesty of Hashem's reign perfectly in the world to come." (Rabbi Dessler, 'Michtav Me'eliyahu').

6. What is the purpose of the birth pangs of the Messiah?

"The troubles before the Messiah’s arrival are meant to urge us to prepare for him with all our might, as he will come suddenly. Before we have a chance to notice, he might find us unaware, as our sages said: 'Three things come unexpectedly – the Messiah, etc.' (Tractate Sanhedrin, page 97). Those unprepared at that moment may, Heaven forbid, be left outside his revelation" (Rabbi Dessler, 'Michtav Me'eliyahu').

Why will the battle of Gog and Magog break out, and will Israel suffer?

7. Will we sense the Messiah's coming before it happens?

"During the entire period of the Messiah's birth pangs, no signs of redemption are apparent. Nonetheless, the prophet assures us that all this is preparation for redemption, which will come suddenly, as stated, 'and suddenly the lord whom you seek will come to his temple' (Malachi 3:1)" (Rabbi Dessler, 'Michtav Me'eliyahu').

8. When will the Messiah's reign be revealed?

"The reign of the Messiah will emerge and reveal itself from the kingdom of Edom. Only through the destruction of Edom will the divine kingdom rise and reveal itself – 'and the kingdom shall be Hashem's.' Edom's destruction will occur when Hashem brings the world to a state where the foundations of material life will crumble, peace will be disturbed, individual lives become filled with concern, fear, and suffering, and the entire world stands under the threat of collapse and ruin. Then it will be evident that human boasting in conquering creation only leads to oblivion. When humanity despairs of achieving their desires and temptations, then the light of the Messiah will reveal itself, 'and saviors will ascend Mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau,' and the downfall and destruction of Edom's kingdom will be visible to all" (Rabbi Dessler, 'Michtav Me'eliyahu', Part 3, p. 204).

9. What should one do before the Messiah comes?

"Every upright person should contemplate what will happen when our righteous Messiah arrives. Who will then be of name, praise, and glory, and who will be the happiest person? Those who clung to Hashem during hardships and troubles and remained faithful to Him and His Torah. The divine light will shine upon them, each according to their level of Torah knowledge and mitzvah observance... Therefore, every person should strengthen themselves now in the knowledge of Torah and the fulfillment of mitzvot, for after the Messiah comes, there will be neither merit nor obligation, as the evil inclination will cease to exist" (Chafetz Chaim, article 'Expectation of Salvation').

What can a person do to withstand the birth pangs of the Messiah? What actions provide safety and protection? What is the proof of the resurrection of the dead? Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains in a brief and important segment. Watch