Ikvot Meshicha: The Time Immediately Before Moshiach

Most of these conditions are quite disturbing, clearly displaying a situation of the very “bottom of the pit.” 30

One major source describes the world-condition in those days as follows: Increase in insolence and impudence; oppressing inflation; unbridled irresponsibility, on the part of authorities; centers of learning will turn into bawdy houses; wars; many destitutes begging, with none to pity them; wisdom shall be putrid; the pious shall be despised; truth will be abandoned; the young will insult the old; family-breakup, with mutual recriminations; impudent leadership. 31
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A lack of scholars; succession of troubles and evil decrees; famines; mutual denunciations; epidemics of terrible diseases; poverty and scarcity; cursing and blaspheming; international confrontations — nations provoking and fighting each other.32

In short, it will be a time of suffering. These are the birthpangs of Moshiach, bearable only in anticipation of the bliss that follows them.

“When you see a generation ever dwindling, hope for him .. when you see a generation overwhelmed by many troubles as by a river, await him.”33

“When you see nations fighting each other, look toward the feet of Moshiach.”34.
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The troubles and agony of chevlei Moshiach (birthpangs of Moshiach), however, are not unavoidable:

“What is man to do to be spared the pangs of Moshiach: Let him engage in Torah, and acts of loving-kindness!” 37

There are also good and happy signs, indicating the imminent coming of Moshiach:

A good measure of prosperity; 38

A renewal of Torah-study; 39

A opening of the “gates of wisdom above, and the wellsprings of wisdom below,” 40 evidenced also by scientific and technological discoveries and advances;

A manifestation and propagation of the mystical teachings of the Torah; 41

“In the time that Moshiach will awaken, many signs and miracles will occur in the world.” 42
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29 . Pesachim 54b; Midrash Tehilim 9:2. See Zohar Chadash, Bereishit, 8a.
30 . Midrash Tehilim 45:3. See Ma'amarei Admur Hazaken-Ethalech, p. 103 f.; and Besha'ah Shehik-dimu-5672, vol. I:p. 551; relating this to the principle (Midrash Tehilim 22:4; Zohar II:46a ) that the darkest moments of the night are immediately before daybreak. Cf. Zohar I:170a. For this analogy see also the comment of R. Elijah, the Vilna Gaon, cited in Even Shelemah, ch. 11:5.
31 . Sotah 49b
32 . Sanhedrin 97a; Shir Rabba 2:29.
33 . Sanhedrin 98a
34 . Bereishit Rabba 42:4. Note Pesikta Rabaty 37:2 (ed. Friedmann, ch. 36)!
35 . Sanhedrin 98b
36 . Ibid. See also Zohar II:7a ff.
37 . Sanhedrin 98b
38 . Sanhedrin 97a; Shir Rabba 2:29.
39 . Ibid.
40 . Zohar I:117a
41 . Zohar I:118a. See Zohar Chadash, Tikunim, 96c; and Mayanei Hayeshu'ah, I:2. Cf. below, note 84. Note also Igeret Teyman, ch. 3, that prophecy shall be restored to Israel, prior to the coming of Moshiach.
42 . Zohar II:8a