We are currently in the time period known as Bein Hameitzarim – “Between the Straits” and the churban [destruction] Beis HaMikdosh is supposed to be on our minds. Although, all year round we are supposed to be thinking about it, Bein Hameitzarim is the time of year when the churban actually occurred, and we are supposed to dedicate more time this time of year than we do during the rest of the year. Recalling the events of our collective history can lead to loss of hope and depression. What other nation in the world has suffered so much? Nevertheless, every Jew is charged with a mission – to await the coming of the Moshiach, to invest in the belief of his upcoming arrival and the approaching Yemos HaMoshiach [messianic era]. We are told stories of great rabbis who always had their Shabbos coat hanging on a hook near the door, in preparation for the coming of the Moshiach, or righteous women who made themselves drums with which to greet his arrival.
The question is, however, to what extent are we obligated to anticipate his arrival (mezapeh liyeshuah)? Below we will bring a number of halachos which will hopefully serve to highlight, that anticipating the arrival of Moshiach is not some far off thing, and we must treat it with real sincerity. It’s not something for us to have at the back of our minds, it’s something which needs to be at the very forefront, and we must be ready for the arrival of Moshiach, this very second, HERE and NOW.
