Is the Messianic Era Near? Insights from Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman

Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman, may his memory be blessed, was one of the foremost disciples of the Chofetz Chaim. In his book "Ikveta D'meshicha," he frequently quoted his revered teacher about the events that will unfold in the world as the Messiah approaches. Here's a selection for you:

1. In his book "Ikveta D'meshicha", Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman quotes the Chofetz Chaim: "The Chofetz Chaim, of blessed memory, said: These days, incredible upheavals are happening in the world... What has Hashem done to us? Why have circumstances changed?" Rabbi Elchanan continues by quoting the Chofetz Chaim's answer: "Since the beginning of time, numerous accounts have accumulated in the heavens. Before the coming of the Messiah, these matters must be settled, as the evil inclination will be nullified, and subsequently, worldly matters will cease to exist. Therefore, every soul must settle their accounts with the heavens. Because the days of the Messiah are very near, it is essential to expedite this process."

2. Twenty years after these words of the Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman wrote: "Since the Chofetz Chaim expressed this opinion, events in the world have accelerated. Things are happening overnight. It seems as if time's wheel is being hurried, as if someone is pushing it." Rabbi Wasserman concludes: "Any sensible person will deduce that we are living in a unique era, soon to transform the world's order."

3. In the Chofetz Chaim’s final year, he said to Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman on the evening after Yom Kippur: "When our righteous Messiah comes, he will not forget a single Jew. Even a solitary Jew in a remote and distant place will be returned home."

4. In "Ikveta D'meshicha" Rabbi Elchanan cites the Gemara in Sanhedrin: "Rabbi Eliezer's students asked him: What can a person do to be spared from the pangs of the Messiah? He answered: Be engaged in Torah and acts of loving-kindness." Rabbi Elchanan adds: "Be engaged – just as a person devotes himself wholeheartedly to his business, so too should he engage in Torah, and then he will be saved."

It is also mentioned that when the Chofetz Chaim spoke these words, he burst into tears and said to those who inquired: "People come to ask me how to escape their troubles. Can I offer better advice than the great Rabbi Eliezer? What do people expect from me, Yisrael Meir, to offer them advice?!"

5. The Chofetz Chaim used to say that without a doubt, every trouble a Jew undergoes is part of the exile, and it all should be tallied, praying for the Messiah to come soon, "and when he comes, the troubles will naturally cease."

6. The Chofetz Chaim would say that the Messiah will certainly come in his time, but "we must not remain silent." That is, we are obliged to pray and plead for his quick arrival to redeem us.

7. Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman further writes: "Recently, we are witnessing a strange phenomenon: in every Jewish community, one can find Jews gathered from various places, something unprecedented before... What has changed?" Rabbi Elchanan asks and answers: "Indeed in our days, a special prophecy is being fulfilled: 'And I will shake out the House of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve' (Amos 9)."

8. It is known that the Chofetz Chaim would say that the seeds fall through a sieve, some near and some far, but none remain in their original place. This will be the fate of Jews in the footsteps of the Messiah." Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman adds and writes: "I have heard several times from the holy Chofetz Chaim to learn what will be at the end of our exile, as it was at the end of Egypt’s exile, as written: 'As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show you wonders.'"

9. In his last years, Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman would recite every day the first chapter of Genesis from "In the beginning" to "The heavens were completed," to strengthen his faith. Rabbi Elchanan justified this practice by saying that we live in times that require strategies and tactics for strengthening faith. It seems that Rabbi Elchanan learned this practice from his great teacher, the Chofetz Chaim, who also used to say these verses daily.

10. An additional practice recommended by the Chofetz Chaim is to say every day the Thirteen Principles of Faith, to strengthen faith during the challenging times before the coming of the Messiah.

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