"It'll happen when it happens," some people say, concerning the ultimate Redemption. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a), in fact, does discuss the possibility of Moshiach coming at a preordained time, regardless of the worthiness of the generation. This is referred to as "b'ito"--in its time.
However, in the very same discussion, the Talmud also says that G-d declares, "I will hasten it--achishena." This means that the Redemption can come before the ultimate, preordained time.
The idea that we should hope for, pray for and even do something about hastening the Redemption is based, in part, on one of Maimonides' 13 Principles of Jewish Faith: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of Moshiach, and even if he tarries, every day I await his coming." This means that each day we await his coming that very day. Thus, to say, "It'll happen when it happens" contradicts this foundation of Judaism.
Additionally, in the silent "Shemona Esrei," the central prayer of the three daily prayer services, we state: "We hope for Your salvation all day long." It would be more than a little bit ridiculous for us to hope all day long for the Redemption if we knew for a fact that it was not going to happen for many years or maybe even within our lifetime.
Maimonides, in his Laws of Repentance, declares that through repentance (teshuva) we can bring Moshiach immediately. Peppered throughout the teachings of our Sages are various other ways to hasten the redemption, such as giving charity, Torah study, keeping Shabbat, unity of the Jewish people.
In future issues we will discuss these more in detail.
