The following is a selection of quotations from renowned Torah personalities, primarily of recent times, regarding the importance of thinking, feeling, talking and acting specifically for the sake of hastening the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate Redemption.

Voicing Our Pain

By virtue of their actions alone, the Jewish People did not completely merit Redemption even though the appointed time of Redemption from Egypt had arrived. It was only due to their great plea that they cried because of their bondage that they were redeemed. For when G-d heard the lamentations of the children of Israel, he remembered the covenant he had made with their forefa­thers. Therefore he sent Moses, his prophet to release Israel from their severe Exile.

Menoras Hamaor 4:Passover:83 - R. Yitzchak Avuhav Hasefardi

Unshakable Faith

We all believe with complete faith that tomorrow morning the sun will shine and bring light. One can wonder. How do we know this? Does the sun's shining today necessitate its shining tomorrow? Yes, for it is written so in the Torah. "Day and night shall not cease". Is there any greater faith than this? (i.e. Hashem's statement in the Torah). G-d Almighty declares, "I swear that my glory will fill the entire world!", Our G-d guarantees that there will be a day when the glory of G-d will fill the entire universe. Surely we must believe this for it will bring greater hope that perhaps today is the fated awaited day.

We should believe in the establishment of G-d's Kingdom in the entire world with the same certainty with which we await the daily rising of the sun. It is upon us to await and anticipate that great day!

Rabbi Chaim Yosef Dovid Azulay (Chida)

The Purpose of Creation

The main goal of creating Adam was to bring forth King David and his descendants, the main one being Moshiach. (He should come speedily in our. days.) This is hinted at in the acrostic for the Hebrew word Adam. "Aleph" for Adam, "Dald"' for David and "Mem" for Moshiach. The main purpose of creation was for the generation of Moshiach.

Belzer Rebbe - The Sar Shalom, Midbar Kodesh p.247

Unconditional Faith

The Rambam [Maimonidesl states clearly that part of the funda­mental belief in Moshiach is to await his arrival and that he can come at any given moment. We shouldn't concern ourselves with questions such as: is it an auspicious moment? Did Elijah the Prophet arrive yet? Did the War of Gog and Magog take place? Did all the other classic signs, which our sages have given as a prelude to Moshiach's arrival, take place yet?

All these matters are irrelevant to our responsibility to believe in his immediate arrival! Therefore, Moshiach coming now means not only on any given day, but to await his arrival every moment of every day! Our primary belief is that he can come at any given moment, and we need not worry about how to explain all the Rabbinic sayings concerning his arrival. The Rambam writes this in Laws of Kings, Chap. 12, Law 2 and the Radvaz (ibid) comments that Moshiach will clarify all the seemingly unclear statements. Thus, we will then understand all the interpretations of all the Rabbinic sayings, what they hinted at and how to explain them. Therefore, our belief should not be associated with comprehending these sayings, which may be beyond us, because our duty is to believe unconditionally.

Midbar Kadamos on Anticipation

With the coming of Moshiach, all will be understood and revealed. Our task then, is to believe and eagerly await his immi­nent arrival. Our main obligation is to believe totally and anticipate his arrival. If anyone does not hope for his immediate arrival it is because although he believes in the general idea of Moshiach, he does not believe that he can come at any moment.

Gaonei Brisk

The Halachic Obligation to Yearn for the Redemption

It is not enough to believe in the concept of Moshiach but to look forward to his coming every day. As the Rambam writes that whoever does not look forward to his coming is a heretic. The Gaon Rav Yitzchak Zev of Brisk used to constantly repeat this fundamen­tal belief and add that it is not enough to believe that he will come, but as we say in our prayer "for we hope for your salvation all day'. We must yearn for Moshiach literally every moment of every day!

Haggada - Bais Halevi, Brisk, p.120

The Only Merit

The Redemption will occur in a generation whose only merit is their yearning for Moshiach. It will not matter that the Jews may be on a more inferior spiritual level than prior generations, and are compared to an aravah, a willow, which has neither taste nor fragrance.

Sfat Emes, R. Yehuda Leib Alter of Ger, Sukkos 5648

Sudden Realization

Before the Exodus, Scripture states, "And the Children of Israel cried out". In the time preceding this, the Jewish people were sunken in spiritual exile to such a great extent that they did not even realize the severity of their exile! It was only after they felt the cruel predicament of exile that G-d redeemed them. This is also the case with the "end of days", the Jewish people will also "forget" that they are in exile, which will G-d forbid, in turn, strengthen the exile. Yet when we realize the "Yoke" of exile, causing us to "cry out", then will the Redemption be ushered in!

Chidushei Harim, R. Yitzchak Meir Alter of Ger

If We Hope for Redemption, We Are Redeemed Immediately

We say in our daily prayers "Speedily cause the sprout of David to flourish ... blessed are you, Lord, who causes the power of salvation to flourish."

On [the Jewish festival of Hoshana Rabah, we take the aravah [willow branch]. It corresponds to the Talmudic statement "Have you hoped for salvation?"¹,and also corresponds to the level of King David. Accordingly we speak of the sprouting of David in the blessing of "Who causes the power of salvation to flourish." because the aravah corresponds to a Jew without flavor or fragrance."² What spiritual quality does he have? He is waiting and hoping for salva­tion. That makes him a vehicle for G-d's deliverance.

So too in our lowly generations, the main deliverance will take place speedily in our time through the hope for salvation as stated previously.

Sfas Emes, Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Ger, Sukkos 5648

Divine Pain

If we would only concentrate in our prayers and requests about the "pain" of the Shechina [Divine Presence] due to the long and bitter exile, we would certainly merit an answer to our requests and be redeemed completely. Alas we ourselves are guilty, for we do not seriously take to heart the "pain" of the Shechina."

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, Nefesh HaChaim, Seltcbos

Making it a Reality

The great sage Reb Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, of blessed memory used to include in his regular evening discourse (given in the Old City of Jerusalem), a lengthy discussion about yearning for Moshiach's coming. One of the participants questioned this behav­ior with the known saying of our sages that Moshiach will only come through 'hesech hadaas [distraction, unexpectedness]. The sage responded, "Unfortunately, despite my discourses, there is still 'hesech hadaas’ when it comes to the subject of Moshiach! As we see clearly, if a trustworthy person would inform you that Moshiach is in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem, wouldn't we hesitate, if even for a moment, before running to greet him?

Story told by Rabbi Avrohom villent, one of tbe elders of jerusalem

Day by Day

A voice is heard from the heavens, "Who among you· awaits each day for the Redemption? .. And one that does not await Moshiach each day in this world will not merit the World to Come."

Zobar Beratsbts 4:1

Demand Payment

It should not suffice to request but instead, we should demand the Redemption ... Several times a day, we request in our prayers the redemption. Nevertheless requests alone do not suffice. One must demand the Redemption in the same manner that an employee asks for his salary. Jewish law states that unless an employee demands his wages, there is no obligation upon the employer to pay on the same day. We too must demand the Redemption, for if we do not insist, we then render it as an unimportant issue.

Chofetz Chaim, Explanations of the Prayer Book, Sec. 168

G-d's Kingdom

"While the Earth remains .. day and night shall not cease ... "³ In Pesikta D'rav Kahane, it is stated, The Holy One blessed be He said, 'You loved my Torah but did not actively await my kingdom.' The most basic of all basics is the belief in the coming of Moshiach, for it is then that G-d will reign over all the lands, and everyone will recognize His kingdom. Although he tarries, nevertheless we are obliged to await, expect, beg and demand, "When will you reign in Tzion."⁴

Chofetz Chaim, Explanations of the, Parshas Noah 8:22

True Yearning

G-d forbid for us to despair of Moshiach's coming because of its delay. We must stand ready and await salvation as it is written, "await him."⁵ One must stand alert for Moshiach as he would stand awaiting another person. Perhaps at this very moment he is already standing behind the wall.

Cofetz Chaim, Awaiting Redmption, Ch 2.

Settling the Account

Many of the people who frequented the home of the Chofetz Chaim witnessed the following: At midnight, when all of his family were fast asleep, and outside was absolutely quiet, the Chofetz Chaim would enter his study, close the door and would not permit anyone to enter. No light would be lit. The room was in total dark­ness.

Occasionally a number of individuals who were close to him would stand outside the door and listen to the Chofetz Chaim plead­ing and pouring out his heart to G-d Almighty. His words were sharp and clear. He began by offering praise to G-d for his kind­ness. When he finished detailing his own life, he began speaking of the merit of the Jewish People.

At this point, both his style of speech as well as his tone of voice changed drastically. Instead of thanking and pleading, he began demanding. The demand incorporated a statement to G-d Almighty, in that He owes His nation Israel a full accounting. At this point he asked, "G-d, what have you given us? You gave us a great and holy Torah, but it was sealed and closed. What have we done in return? We opened the Torah, gave you the Prophets, the sages of the Talmud, the Torah geniuses, and we tied crowns to the Oral Torah. But alas, what have we received in return for this? We received misfortune, persecutions, and murder. We were not prepared for this. Throughout the lands, we Jews were dispersed and exiled. We brought our Torah with us, carrying it with us, saving it from our enemies, and we carry it still to this very day! It is firmly within our grasp."

This was his demand for an accounting. Now would come the demand for payment of the debt. "How much longer must we wait? Until when? We are totally broken. G-d, consider and ponder, can you find the heart of one Jew whole?" Suddenly he began to call for help to all the tzaddikim of the generations that had gone to their eternal rest, "Where are you?" he shouted. "Why are you quiet? You are supposed to be claimants for us! Holy souls, have you already forgotten everything?"

This is what the Chofetz Chaim would do every night. When the horizon became light, he would return to his studies, awaiting Moshiach's arrival, confident then that the debt owed would be paid.

Chofetz Chaim, Explanation on the Torah, Parshas Behar

Redeem Us Speedily

The Chasam Sofer was careful to note that (in the blessing for the New Moon) we say, "He will redeem us speedily." This is the main emphasis of our prayers. However, concerning the Redemption itself our prayers are not needed. It has been promised to us by G-d, we need only pray to hasten it.

Customs of the Chasam Sofer

Timely Hastening

I heard from my teacher, Harav Yakov Yosef Sgan L'viah [the Chozeh [visionary] of Lublin] that now we can hasten the Redemption without it being considered hastening the time prema­turely.

Yakov Tzvi Yalesh, Kol Yakov, Savo Ch. 77

Yearning Brings Redemption

A generation which searches for my sovereignty will be redeemed immediately.

Yalkut Shimoni, Lamentations Par. 997

To Hope Avidly

Therefore a person is to be zealous about his faith in Moshiach's arrival, one of the Thirteen Principles of our Faith. It is fitting for one to have a strong desire, a great love and a boundless devotion to the extent that he'll say, "Will I be given Redemption in my days? Just as one has a lust that is so strong in his heart that all his thoughts and desires are totally captivated by his lust, so should one desire the era of redemption in order to reach perfection in his body and soul. By this complete desire one fulfills the "duty of desiring the salvation." After death, upon reaching the heavenly court, every Jew is asked, have you desired the Redemption?

Eliyabu Cohen, Shevet Mussar, Cb. 51

Every Jew Counts

But concerning the Redemption, which is an all-encompassing issue that concerns the entire Jewish people, it will not suffice if only a part of the Jewish people pray with great concentration. Instead, it is imperative that every Jew prays with a tremendous devotion to G-d, to take us out of Exile! A single prayer will not suffice! Since the Redemption must occur amidst great wonders, we must offer much prayer on its behalf.

Yakov Culi, Yalkut Me'am Loez

Sincere Request

For everyone who thirsts for Moshiach, and prays for him daily in the Shemona Esray (standing silent prayer) with proper concen­tration and does not say these words in passing casually, shows that he really desires to merit and see Moshiach. Such a person will merit to rejoice in his coming. This individual feels a love towards him (Moshiach), for every day he truly requests his coming.

Yakov culi, Yalkut Me 'am Loez

Redemption by Virtue of Yearning

If all Jews were to collectively say, "Father in heaven, it is enough. Have pity on us and send our Moshiach," the Moshiach would certainly come.

Rebbe Rayatz, Sefer HaSichos 5699, Parshas Shmos

Speak about Moshiach

The verse in Parshas Vayechi (Genesis 49: 10) states, " ... until Shiloh will come ... " Rashi comments that this refers to Moshiach who will have the sovereignty. The Baal HaTurim adds that the words "Yavo Shiloh [Shiloh will come]" are numerically equivalent to the word "Moshiach" (=358).

In the word "Yavo" there is a clue and deep significance as to the vessel for Moshiach's coming. The word "Yavo" has the same numerical value (13) as "echad' - one. From this we can infer that if (a) there will be unity amongst Jews, and (b) especially if there will be unison concerning discussing Moshiach, then surely we will bring the ultimate Redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

Rebbe Yosef Yitzchok of Lubavitch, Sefer HaSichos 5696 p. 330

The Holy Temple Will Be Rebuilt Speedily

There is an opinion in tractate Taanis 17a that says a Kohan is forbidden to drink wine even in after we have lost our holy temple. The logic is that since the Bais Hamikdosh (holy temple) will be rebuilt speedily, the Kohan won't be able to do the service while intoxicated.

There are two methods to rid oneself of intoxication: taking a nap or taking a brisk walk. The second method takes at most, according to the most stringent opinion, 24 minutes.

From this we see, even in the revealed part of Torah, how in such a short period of time Moshiach can be here with a completed Bais Hamikdosh.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe - Likutei Sichos vol.2, p.688

Don't Delay

That which Rashi writes on the Tractate Kesubos, page lIla, not to delay the Redemption through excessive prayer, is not the final halachic judgment. His comment is only according to one version and is not binding. The main interpretation is as Rashi writes; not to distance the Redemption through our sins.

Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Shapiro of Munkatch, Shaar Yissachar, Tammuz-Av Ch.j2

To Believe Every Moment

You asked about the passage in the Holy Zohar: "Rabbi Shimon said to his son, 'Do not expect the footsteps of Moshiach until the rainbow of bright colors is seen.'''

The question is: It is an explicit halacha in the Rambam that whoever does not await his coming denies the Torah and Moshe Rabbeinu. Also one of the Rambam's thirteen principles of faith is "I await his coming every day." Doesn't this contradict the Zohar?

I am surprised you did not ask questions concerning many simi­lar passages in the Gemara. For example, "The son of David will not come until there are no longer judges in Israel" or Moshiach will come only in a generation "that is totally wicked or totally right­eous." Also Moshiach will come "when this (a certain) gate falls and is rebuilt and falls again. Before it is rebuilt again Moshiach will come," or Moshiach will come only "when there are no coins in the purse." There are many other such signs.

Now if these signs were not fulfilled, do we transgress the injunction to "wait for him every day"? Obviously these signs are not critical or absolute. G-d knows the actual time. '''The day of vengeance in my heart, I have not revealed even to the angels."

We must know and believe every day in his coming. We must also do teshuvah [repent] for if we do teshuvah we are redeemed immediately. Even if we haven't yet done teshuvah properly, we still must believe with true faith that even in a wicked generation, a time will come when G-d says, "For My sake will I do it." This is obvious and absolutely clear.

Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Shapiro of Munkatch, Divrei Torah, Vol. 5, Ch. 21

Try One More

It is known from the Midrash and other sources, that although Moshe Rabbeinu of Blessed Memory offered 515 prayers, if only he would have offered one more prayer, he would have been permit­ted to enter the Holy Land. However, the Almighty said, "It's enough for you." From this, we can chastise all those fools who err in saying, "One should not pray too much on behalf of the Redemption, for after all, haven't we already said this in Shemoneh Esray" From the story above, we see that if Moshe Rabbeinu had prayed just once more, he would have been answered. We the Jewish people have not been admonished, "It is enough for you." Therefore, we are required to continue praying with fervor for Moshiach and the Redemption. For who knows how many thousands upon thousands more prayers are needed for the complete Redemption to arrive speedily in our days ...

Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Shapiro of Munkatch, Chaim V'Shalom, Vaeschanan

Nine Friends

Reb Chaim of Sanz once said, "If only I could find nine dear friends whose hearts are with mine ... we would go out to the field and beg Hashem with prayers and supplications, not returning home until the Jewish nation would be redeemed with an everlast­ing salvation through Moshiach."

Rabbi Shlomo Shapiro, Munkatch, Bais Shlomo

Today is the Day

A person once had a banknote verifying his ownership of a large equity. This was his entire fortune. Alas the banknote fell into a huge box filled with tens of thousands of worthless pieces of paper and documents. The valuable banknote swiftly disappeared among the rest of the documents. The poor man, on his knees, searched diligently through thousands of notes and then discarding them. But alas to no avail. The valuable banknote was nowhere to be found!

Should he then give up since he has already looked through so many papers? Quite the contrary. The man realizes that after discarding so many banknotes, he is that much closer to finding his cherished treasure, and therefore he will never give up. Our cher­ished Redemption is to be seen in the same light. Hundreds of years have already elapsed with no salvation! Nevertheless since we are positive of Moshiach's arrival, every day brings us that much closer that perhaps today is the long-awaited day.

Rayach Tapuchim, Darkei Mussar

Every Prayer Counts

If one would say, "Who am I and what am I worth that I should pray for Jerusalem, etc ... Will the exiles be gathered and will salvation sprout because of my prayer?" his answer awaits him, as we learned in Sanhedrin 37a, "Man was created individually so that each person should say, "The world was created for my sake." It is the Blessed One's pleasure that His children desire and pray for this [Redemption].

We see then, that we are duty bound in this respect. We cannot exempt ourselves because of our inadequate strength, for in relation to all such things we learned in Ethics of the Fathers 2:16, "You are not obliged to complete the work, but you are not free to abstain from it."

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, Mesilas Yesharim, P.101

Permitted

According to the words of Rashi, there is no drawback on our part to excessive prayer and supplications. If only one would pray all day [for the Redemption].

The Satmar Rav, Veyoel Mosbe, Discourse 3, Sbavuos, par. 79

Obliged

It is permissible to pray as much as you desire. Even more so, one is obliged to pray about the length of Exile.

Satmar Rav, Cbidusbei Torab, Ch. 3 Beshalach, 5717

Now is the Time

Today we have arrived at the time of Redemption, as it is stated, "for my deliverance is close at hand and the days until Redemption are close." Unlike the early days where great toil was necessary, today, even a little can suffice ... for the Redemption is "waiting behind the door" as our sages have already stated in their times, "All the deadlines have passed, it depends only upon our repentance." (Sanhedrin 97b) How much more so does it apply today. Now is the time, as is well known.

Satmar Rav, Cbidusbei Torab, Besbalach 5719, p.472 

Fundamental Belief

The Sefer Mitzvos Katan explains that belief in the future Redemption is part of the belief "I am the Lord your G-d" which is included in the first and foremost of the Ten Commandments in the Torah. When we examine our beliefs concerning this concept, alas, we find that we are quite lacking in the belief in the future Redemption. Concerning the belief in G-d who created heaven and earth, overseeing and conducting creation, we find that at least at times, we are involved and speak about it.

However when it comes to the belief in the coming of Moshiach and the resurrection of the dead, we shy away from discussing it at all as if we were ashamed to be connected with the subject! It is not relevant to our daily lives. The words of the Sefer Mitzvos Katan are to arouse a deep fear, trembling in our bones. One of the foremost Mitzvos given by G-d the Almighty is "I am the Lord your G-d." Whoever is not totally involved in the complete belief of the Redemption and the Resurrection of the Dead is far from any true belief in G-d.

Rabbi Yechezkel Loewenstein, Ponovit, Ohr Yechezkel on Matters of faith

Any Moment

Although we are unable to set a specific date for the coming of Moshiach, yet it is clear that not much time remains until his coming. The coming of Moshiach is very close and it will not take much time.

Rabbi Aharon Yitzchak Kahan, Divrei Emunah, Noach Ch. 10

Final Preparations

From the lowliness of the generation, it is evident that the complete redemption is very close. We need to prepare every second for the complete Redemption.

Ibid. Balak

Essential Prayer

Anyone who does not mention the kingdom of the House of David in the blessing of "He who rebuilds Jerusalem" [in the Grace After Meals], does not fulfill his obligation. Therefore we must make reference to the Kingdom of Heaven, the House of David, and the Holy Temple. Indeed the Jewish Nation will not be redeemed from Exile until we demand all three.

Rabbi Yosef Caro, Tur Shulchan Aruch, Orech Chaim, Sec. 188

Press the Issue

Concerning your second question, "Has the time changed and is it permissible to act forcefully about the Redemption?" Yes, not only is it permissible, but it is obligatory to strongly demand of G-d to usher in our Redemption."

Rabbi Hillel of Kulmaya, Resoponsa, Avkas Rocbayl, Part 2, Cb. 9.

In the Spirit of the Chofetz Chaim

With great sincerity, the Chofetz Chaim imbued in the hearts of Jews, the anticipation of Moshiach's arrival. Even the simple Jew was caught up with this spirit of hope that the Chofetz Chaim infused among the Jewish People. Thus, he revived the learning of the Talmudic tractates that discuss the Holy Temple and its sacri­fices. He introduced all this to the broad populace, and especially to the Kohanim, for they would be the ones to perform the sacri­fices. This underscored this learned sage's preparedness for the coming of Moshiach. We too are required to yearn for Moshiach and prepare ourselves for his arrival.

Rabbi Yakov Kaminetsky, in Oraysa Iyyar 5743

The Mourner's Joy

Our Sages of blessed memory tell us that on the day of reckon­ing, the Heavenly Court asks, "Did you await the Redemption?" You may ask, what is the essence of this awaiting? Simply, it is that a person must be anguished and lament the Exile of the Divine Presence, the desecration of His honor among the wicked and one must yearn for His salvation speedily. This is, in essence, "awaiting the Redemption." When a person contemplates in this manner constantly, the thought itself arouses the Redemption speedily. This person then, merits seeing the comforting of Zion in his lifetime. As the prophet says, "All those who have mourned it (the destruction), will rejoice with it (the Redemption) and they will merit it (immedi­ately)." If all Jews would eagerly await the Redemption in this manner and repent of all their sins with all their heart and soul, they would truly arouse the full Redemption immediately.

In reference to this it states in the verse, "And the last genera­tion will say ... " Any generation who will take the aforementioned words to heart and grieve for the Exile of the Divine Presence, will be the last generation of Exile. They will return with G-d and be redeemed immediately.

Rabbi Sblomo of Radomsk, Tiferes Sblomo, Parsbas Acbaray.

Demanding Brings Results

There are those who question: Why speak so much of Moshiach and Redemption? Instead of begging and demanding, let us rely upon G-d Himself, who surely will redeem us when the proper time arrives. After all, they say, "If the Almighty Himself has placed us in Exile, He surely will be the one to redeem us ... If this is so, why ask and even demand Redemption, let us rely on the Almighty!" The response to that comes the lesson of Pesach Sheini.

The Torah and its commandments were given by the Almighty. Therefore, concerning the Mitzva of Pesach Sheini, we find a strange phenomenon. A number of Jewish people were unable to participate in the first Korban Pesach (Pascal Sacrifice) ... This situ­ation was a source of great pain and heartache to them. What did they do? Did they resign themselves? Did they declare that since everything is Divine Providence, G-d must have willed that they not participate! Absolutely not! They protested vehemently saying, we must not be left out! As a result, G-d gave the Jewish People a new Mitzvah, the Pesach Sheini, a second opportunity to make up the observance of Pesach.

The same applies to our predicament in exile. Instead of being complacent and relying on the Almighty, we must protest and demand the Redemption immediately!

Sefer Hisvaduyos 5744 p.1684 - The Lubavitcber Rebbe

Nothing But The Essence

The substance of the cry "We Want Moshiach Now" is that we forgo Gan Eden (the garden of Eden) and the World to Come: We want the Almighty G-d's presence itself. Our service to G-d will always be... "with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." However, our desire is even greater than this: A desire, a yearning for nothing but the very essence of G-d. Therefore we cry out all at once in pain and in joy, "We want Moshiach now! For the most sublime levels of G-dliness will be revealed through the Redemption!