The Plague of Darkness

The comparison between the generation preceding the arrival of Moshiach [the Messianic era] and the period leading up to Yetziat Mitzrayim [the Exodus from Egypt] is a deeply rooted concept in Jewish thought. 

Prophets, Chazal (the Sages), and Hasidic philosophy frequently link these two historical bookends to explain the intense challenges and spiritual dynamics of the modern era. 

The core parallels between these two periods are detailed below: 

1. Spiritual Concealment and "The Double Darkness" 

• Egypt: Before the redemption, Bnei Yisrael fell to the "49th gate of impurity," nearly losing their identity entirely under the crushing weight of Egyptian culture and bondage. 

• Moshiach: The era before Moshiach is described as Ikvetah d'Meshichah [the footsteps of Moshiach], characterized by a spiritual blackout. Faith is tested to its absolute limit, and truth becomes highly obscured [ve-ha'emet tehei ne'ederet]. 

2. A "Haste" in Redemption [Chifazon] 

• Egypt: The Torah emphasizes that the Jews left Egypt in extreme haste (chifazon) because if they had stayed a moment longer, they would have sunk past the point of spiritual return. 

• Moshiach: The ultimate redemption will mirror this sudden shift. The Prophets state, "As in the days of your departure from the land of Egypt, I will show him wonders" [Micah 7:15]. The transition from the depths of exile to redemption can happen in the blink of an eye.

There is a distinct possibility that one of the seven planets orbiting the second sun [the Kochav Yaakov or Star of Moshiach] may block our sun for a period of time, causing DARKNESS.  

Also, for anyone who keeps track of eclipses, we have had many more eclipses than expected, and more are coming up.  These are not being caused by the usual sun/moon combination, no matter what they tell you.

In Jewish tradition [as outlined in teachings on Chabad.org and Chabadpedia], the "three days of darkness" refers to the ninth plague [Choshech] brought upon Egypt in the Book of Exodus [Exodus 10:21–23] before the Exodus. 

Key Aspects of the Plague of Darkness in Chabad Teachings 

• Duration & Two Stages [Total of Six Days]: 

• According to the Sages and Kabbalistic teachings discussed by Chabad, the plague actually lasted a total of six days, divided into two distinct three-day phases: 

1. First Three Days [Sightlessness]: A physical and spiritual darkness so thick that people could not see one another ["a man did not see his fellow"]. 

2. Second Three Days [Immobility / Tangible Darkness]: The darkness grew so dense and heavy that people could not move or rise from their place ["nor did anyone get up from his place"]. 

• Light for the Israelites: 

• While the Egyptians were plunged into a paralyzing, oppressive darkness, "for all the children of Israel, there was light in their dwellings". 

Chabad teachings emphasize that this wasn't just physical light, but a spiritual revelation of God's presence. 

• Kabbalistic/Spiritual Meaning: 

• The First Phase [Sightlessness: Corresponds to a classic, concealing darkness [gehennom] that forces introspection and yearning. During this time, the Israelites secretly buried those among their own people who had chosen not to leave Egypt. 

• The Second Phase [Immobility]: Corresponds to a higher, primordial celestial darkness that transcends ordinary light, bringing a sense of divine contentment and surrender. During this phase, the Israelites used the darkness to discreetly locate the hidden gold, silver, and valuable items of their Egyptian neighbors [fulfilling the promise that they would leave Egypt with great wealth].