Could it be that now that the Redemption process has started, we might yet end up back in the Diaspora? The Sages state clearly that once the Third Redemption starts, it will never stop or be reversed.
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The Importance of the Question
It is often asked: "Even if we assume that our Geula (redemption) process has started, who said that it will actually end successfully? Perhaps, because of our spiritual status, we will not deserve to merit the successful conclusion of this process?"
After all, there have been times in the past that the Redemption appeared to be just around the corner, such as during the times of Ezra the Scribe, but because the Jews did not take advantage of it, it didn't happen! Our generation, as well, is guilty of having turned our backs on at least parts of the Land, when we withdrew our sovereignty thereof…
This question is important for several reasons, not least of which is our own feelings: If we know that the difficulties that we face are merely "bumps on the road" on the way towards Geulah, we can accept them. But if they actually signal the end of this enterprise, that is certainly a different and much more catastrophic story!
The teachings of our Sages make it clear that once our Third Redemption process begins [the first two being: after the bondage of Egypt, and after the destruction of the First Temple], it will never stop. Even if the Jewish Nation sins, the Divine Redemption Process will not end!
For instance, R. Yehoshua teaches in the Gemara that if Bnei Yisrael do teshuvah, they will be redeemed ahead of time, but if they do not do teshuvah, they will be redeemed only at the set time. This tells us that no matter what, Israel's Redemption will come no later than its set time! For Israel's redemption is dependent upon G-d and His desire to redeem His nation, and not upon Israel.
Even according to those who do not agree with R. Yehoshua's opinion, this does not mean that Israel could remain unredeemed forever - for G-d will bring about terrible decrees upon Israel that will cause them to repent, thus paving the way for Geulah.
The Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel during World War II, Rabbi Yitzchak HaLevy Herzog, made this point quite clear in "real time." The Nazi Germans had overrun North Africa and appeared ready to capture the Holy Land. It appeared as if there might be a Shoah not only in Germany and Poland, but among the hundreds of thousands of Jews seeking to build up G-d's land as well! The situation looked totally hopeless - but Rav Herzog said with great faith and confidence, "We have been promised that there will never be a third destruction!" – and in fact the Nazis were stopped before they could our Land.
Rav Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook used to answer those who had doubts on this score by quoting the Prophet Yechezkel. The Prophet recounted Jewish history, including how the Jews were (and will be) exiled from the Land because of their sins, thus causing a great desecration of His Name. The Prophet then says that G-d will have great mercy on His Name and will redeem Israel even during their sinful state – after which He will "purify them from their sins." This shows clearly that Israel can be ingathered from the Exile even when they do not yet deserve it!
Today, the situation is much better than that described above – for together with our sins, we also have very many merits! In fact, there is so much Torah and good deeds in our generation, that the Torani public will soon be the majority in Israel!
Furthermore, the holy Arizal writes that in the "later generations, the value of every mitzvah and good deed will be greater than ever before – because the challenges that face them will be even greater than ever before."
And in general, who are we to judge the "sins" of our generation? Let us study the words of Rav Eliyahu Ki-Tov, who wrote in The Book of Our Heritage (Sefer HaTodaah) that even when Israel sinned with the Golden Calf, G-d was aware that most of the nation did not sin, but rather protested in various ways against the idol-worshipers! (See there for details)
In short, we see that the Divine Redemption process did not begin because of great spiritual heights that we reached – and so therefore there is no reason for it to stop because of our sins. Not to mention that though we see many sins in this generation, we sometimes do not notice the tremendous merits of Torah, acts of kindness, and other mitzvot in which Jews all over the Land are engaged. As written in Pirkei Avot, "It is not your job to complete the mission – but neither are you free not to take part in it." Israel's Geulah has begun and will not be stopped!
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