Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, one of the most prominent rabbis of this generation, was asked about the conflict in Ukraine. His answer was unequivocal; the final redemption is imminent. 

Yeshiva World reported on Tuesday that the rabbi was asked if there was anything to be done to help the Jews of Ukraine. He responded that Jews around the world should become stronger in prayer and Torah study.

When asked if anything could be done to be saved from Chevlei Moshiach (birth pangs of Messiah), the difficulties preceding the arrival of the Messiah. Again, Rabbi Kanievsky responded to become stronger in Torah study as well as engaging in gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). 

Rabbi Kanievsky also stated that the current Russian invasion of Ukraine which threatens to spread into a multinational war is a sure sign the Messiah is imminent. The rabbi cited Bereishis Rabbah (לך לך מ”ב, ד) which states:

Rabbi Elazar bar Avinah said, ‘If you see kingdoms taunting each other, you can anticipate the footsteps of the Messiah.” The Midrash bases this on the age of Abraham in which kings were battling each other which culminated in Abraham’s “redemption”.

It should be noted that Rabbi Kanievsky is a mainstream Torah scholar and never made any public statements predicting the arrival of the Messiah. This changed in 2015 when, at the age of 87, Rabbi Kanievsky declared the Messiah was imminent. This message was accompanied by the rabbi urging that the Jews in exile return to Israel immediately. Since that declaration, Rabbi Kanievsky has made countless comments affirming that this is his belief.

Israel365 is currently undergoing efforts to bring Jews trapped in Ukraine back to Israel. Please help by clicking on the image below.