Do not scoff at the prediction of the imminent coming of Moshiach. While this example may be suspicious, it is not something which should be dismissed to easily. The Talmud relates a story which will explain why things like this email happen, as it has happened in the times of the writing of the Talmud.
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/highlights-of-moshiach/13.htmThere 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:[71]
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."[72]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):[73]
Rambam posits[74] 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 states[75] that Eliyahu will come first, and as is seen in Tanach,[76] "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:[77] "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,[78] "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.[79]
Notes:
71 Sanhedrin 98a, Rashi
72 Psalms 95:7
73 Yoreh Deah 110, Bais Hasafek/end
74 Hilchos Melachim 12:2
75 Eiruvin 43b
76 Malachi 3:23
77 Isaiah 60:22; Sanhedrin 98a
78 Song of Songs 2:8
79 Otzar Blum, Sanhedrin ibid.
It is a constant Mitzvah according to all counts (including HaRambam) to await the coming of Moshiach each and every day. Kol HaKavod to all who are truly awaiting his imminent coming.
http://halakhah.com/sanhedrin/sanhedrin_98.html
R. Joshua b. Levi met Elijah standing by the entrance of R. Simeon b. Yohai's tomb. He asked him: 'Have I a portion in the world to come?' He replied, 'if this Master desires it.'39 R. Joshua b. Levi said, 'I saw two, but heard the voice of a third.'40 He then asked him, 'When will the Messiah come?' — 'Go and ask him himself,' was his reply. 'Where is he sitting?' — 'At the entrance.'41 And by what sign may I recognise him?' — 'He is sitting among the poor lepers: all of them untie [them]42 all at once, and rebandage them together,43 whereas he unties and rebandages each separately, [before treating the next], thinking, should I be wanted, [it being time for my appearance as the Messiah] I must not be delayed [through having to bandage a number of sores].' So he went to him and greeted him, saying, 'peace upon thee, Master and Teacher.' 'peace upon thee, O son of Levi,' he replied. 'When wilt thou come Master?' asked he, 'To-day', was his answer. On his returning to Elijah, the latter enquired, 'What did he say to thee?' — 'peace Upon thee, O son of Levi,' he answered. Thereupon he [Elijah] observed, 'He thereby assured thee and thy father of [a portion in] the world to come.' 'He spoke falsely to me,' he rejoined, 'stating that he would come to-day, but has not.' He [Elijah] answered him, 'This is what he said to thee, To-day, if ye will hear his voice.'44
Topic: Mekubal Says Mashiach is Near (Read 5078 times)