The Greatest Generation
The Chofetz Chaim[1] is bothered how Moshiach can come in such a time as ours when he didn’t come in previous generations where the gedolim were greater.
1. He writes that we shouldn’t wonder how we can merit that which even our predecessors could not merit. The truth is that even though we are much smaller spiritually than our ancestors, Hashem combines and consolidates our merits with those of the generations that preceded us.
This is likened to a scenario where a dwarf is carried on the shoulders of a giant. The giant, while towering and nearly reaching the ceiling, falls just short, as it Is just beyond his reach. However, when the dwarf is placed on the giant’s shoulders, suddenly, reaching the ceiling becomes achievable.
2. The following is another approach to this question. Although we recognize how impure and immoral the world is today, we cannot forget that this also showcases our greatness. This is because despite all the hardships and negative influences, we still serve Hashem.
The Ohr Lashamayim[2] (1767–1831) quotes from the sefer Bris Menucha regarding the statement im rishonim bnei malachim anu bnei anashim…, if the scholars of previous generations were sons of angels, then we are sons of men, if they were sons of men, we are like donkeys…[3] While this standard held true in their day, today, when there is so much darkness and yet we strengthen ourselves to serve Hashem according to our ability, we are considered greater than tzadikim from earlier generations!
Similarly, the Arizal (1534–1572) conveyed to R’ Chaim Vital that nowadays, in the darkness of exile, even a single heartfelt cry or a groan that comes from the depth of one’s heart holds a significance comparable to many fasts observed in earlier generations. The Yismach Yisrael[4] points out that this was in the time of the Arizal. Imagine what a sigh or groan from us today is considered, as the exile and troubles of today are much worse.[5]
Perhaps our lowly generation possesses the power to usher in Moshiach as we face insurmountable challenges and are incessantly bombarded with tests and temptations of an extreme nature.[6] By continuing to serve Hashem despite all the difficulties we face, we are truly exceptional. And we merit Moshiach more than any preceding generation. In a sense we are not mere dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants; rather we can be likened to the tallest of giants standing on the shoulders of the giants who came before us.
[1] In his sefer Machane Yisrael, Chapter 25.
[2] Tetzave, s.v. od nireh li.
[3] Shabbos 112b.
[4] Chanuka, 56, s.v. v’hesber.
[5] It is said from the Baal Shem Tov that one who is immersed in worldly activities, such as in the marketplace, and finally gets to think of Hashem at Mincha where he sighs because of the vanities of this world that he is busy with — that is so precious to Hashem (see Sichos B’avodas Hashem, p. 13).
[6] The purpose of the neshamos of the last generation, the generation of Ikvisa Dimshicha, is for them to descend to the lowest places. This descent is intended so that when Hashem awakens them to teshuva, they will rectify all these low places. This leads to the advent of Moshiach (See the Arvei Nachal, Breishis, Drush 2).
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt
Author of Six Books including the recently released “Magnificent Marriage Insights: Captivating Torah Essays about Marriage”
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