Following on from the comments on the Rabbi Kessin Moshiach video in the post below this one , this question was put forward. Here is the response from the Lubavitcher Rebbe: Source Sichos in English
There is a tradition that Eliyahu [Elijah the Prophet] will come before Moshiach, to inform the world of the advent of Moshiach. Is this showing of Eliyahu a mandatory pre-requisite for Moshiach?
The Talmud relates:1
Once, Rabbi Joshua met Moshiach and asked him: ‘When are you going to come?’ Moshiach replied: ‘Today!’
Rabbi Joshua then met Eliyahu, who asked him: ‘What did he [Moshiach] tell you?’ Said Rabbi Joshua: ‘He lied to me, for he told me that he is coming today, but he didn’t come!’
Said Eliyahu: ‘He didn’t lie, but this is what he really meant: He will come “Today, if you hearken to the voice of G‑d.”2
Maharsha explains that if Moshiach comes today, we assume that Eliyahu came yesterday to the Supreme Beth Din [in Tiberias].
Another explanation is that if we merit, and Moshiach comes sooner (before the appointed time), he may then come on his own before the revelation of Eliyahu. This is presented in Krayti U’playti [by Rabbi Yonason Eibschutz]:3
Rambam posits4 that it is not a certainty that Eliyahu must come before Moshiach. Although some Sages maintain that before the advent of Moshiach, Eliyahu will appear, yet, there is no definite basis for this.
This poses a difficulty, inasmuch as the Talmud states5 that Eliyahu will come first, and as is seen in Tanach,6 “Behold I send unto you Eliyahu the Prophet.” How do we reconcile these two statements re: the coming of Eliyahu?
The answer is seen in the timing of Moshiach, as the Talmud cites the verse:7 “In its time will I hasten it” — If Jews do not merit, Moshiach will come in his appointed time; but if they merit, then Moshiach will come sooner, in haste.
Rambam holds that there is an order to the coming of Moshiach, that Eliyahu comes first to foretell of his coming. This, however, is effective only when Moshiach comes in his appointed time. But when Jews merit and the redemption is hastened, as expressed in,8 “He is leaping over the mountains, skipping over the hills” — G‑d then changes the order, as a sign of His love for Jewish merits and good deeds. This is expressed in the Rambam’s concise words.
The Sages note that Eliyahu comes first, to convey the news of Moshiach; yet, this is not definite. For, perhaps G‑d will have mercy and bestow His holy spirit upon the Jews to serve Him with a full heart; then He will swiftly bring Moshiach without the need for Eliyahu’s message.9
FOOTNOTES
1.
Sanhedrin 98a, Rashi
2.
Psalms 95:7
3.
Yoreh Deah 110, Bais Hasafek/end
4.
Hilchos Melachim 12:2
5.
Eiruvin 43b
Off topic comments will be deleted.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Mashiach will “come in its (His) time”. I believe we are past the early date, because we are less than 221 years til 6000. Making 5800 the year. Techias HaMeitim has a fixed date, according to some knowledgeable Rabbis. I believe Reb Dov has some of those dates, from Rabbi Winston. And YYaakov has posted these estimations also. We need to collect all this and review it.
ReplyDeleteMore comments please.
I think I remember reading on Dov's blog that we are past the time of ''achishena'' and now it is b'ita - in its time.
ReplyDeleteThere is a tradition that Elijah the Prophet will come to the world and announce the imminent arrival of Moshiach. However, according to other opinions, Moshiach may arrive unannounced. Elijah would then arrive to assist in the peace process. Some suggest that if the Moshiach arrives in his predestined time, then Elijah will announce his arrival; but if Moshiach comes suddenly, then Elijah will appear after Moshiach has come.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned before, it is unclear as to exactly how these events will unfold. However, this uncertainty does not affect the general matter of Moshiach’s arrival.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/108400/jewish/The-End-of-Days.htm
the message at Shuvu Banum is "ON THE NIGHT AFTER TU B’AV AT 10 O’CLOCK, DAVID WILL BE REVEALED."
ReplyDeletevery similar message was before last Pesah "that Mashiah will come right after Seder night "...
If this time Mashiah will not come then it will be very disappointments and will be hard to believe in the future.
Anon: let me correct you here - it will be very hard to believe what this Rabbi says in the future - but we don’t stop believing in Moshiach ever- it is one of the 13 principles of the Jewish faith. Keep an open mind about all of this and don’t rely on any date given - nothing has been proved yet. We wait and see.
ReplyDeleteyalkut shimoni, yishayahu.
ReplyDeleteif generation zoche, Eliahu hanavi comes, if not Chefzibah (the wife of Melech Chizkiahu, daughter of Yishayahu hanavi) of comes to announce Mashiach's arrival.
there is a video of rabbanit Iris Eliashive tacking about this. in hebrew
leah l.
here i found the video, rabbanit starts to speak about it at 10.00 min very interesting. leah l.
ReplyDeletemi am lo ez, yishayahu 52. leah
ReplyDeleteLeah, would you care to translate for some who won’t be able to understand all that she says?
ReplyDeleteDevorah, you put Cosmic Clock on your website, and it is says 12:41:28.48963
ReplyDeletewhat is that supposed to mean and how to use this clock correctly?
That link didn't work, I'll try again
ReplyDeleteThe Cosmic Clock was a gift from Yeranen Yaakov. Because he says it so much better than I could, go to his blog and read all about it there:
click here
Basically we are at 12.41pm on the Friday preceding the Shabbat which is the time of Moshiach.
so, erev Shabat is the time of Rahamim. That is good to greet Mashiah Tsidkeinu beRahamim! Please pray that Mashiah will be revealed on TuBAv this year according to Daniel's prophecy.
ReplyDelete