And we have, in fact, witnessed "wonders" that testify that this is "the year that the King Moshiach shall be revealed," and the "time when the King Moshiach will come ... and announce to Israel, 'Humble ones, the time for your Redemption has arrived.'"
Further, these wonders and the announcement that "Behold, he (the King Moshiach) is coming," allowing for the translation that "he has already come," mean that we already stand on the threshold of the beginning of the Messianic Era as well as on the threshold of the beginning of the Redemption, the continuation and culmination of which shall occur imminently.
Since we are standing on the threshold of Redemption which will arrive imminently, it follows that the study of the Laws of building the Temple this year must be of an entirely different order. First and foremost, this study must be permeated with the certain awareness and full recognition that this study is not merely an "academic exercise," but it is relevant for practical use for the very next moment. For indeed, the "Future Sanctuary that we are anticipating has already been built and is fully developed (above and will thus imminently) be revealed and arrive from Heaven" instantaneously!
The attitude towards the study of these laws should be analogous to what was discussed in the recent past, that the special increase in the study of the teachings of Torah concerning Redemption and Moshiach should not simply serve as a catalyst to hasten the coming of Moshiach and the Redemption. Rather this study should enable us to live with and thrive on matters of Moshiach and Redemption. We should "live with the time" of the Messianic Era.
3. Yalkut Shimoni, Yeshayahu 499.
4. Shir HaShirim 2:8 and Shir HaShirim Rabbah on this verse.
5. Rashi and Tosphos commentaries to Sukkah, 41, end side a and in other sources.
6. Above, p. 49 and in other places.
1. Sanhedrin 97b.
2. Michah 7:15.
