The Chazal’s cheshbon was around the year 800, rav Saadia Gaon’s – 1100, Ramban said about 1390, and so forth. Statements reportedly ascribed to the Chofetz Chaim himself placed the date within 30 years of 1930…..
There were many calculations, based on Daniel, World events, catastrophes, mystic lore, and dreams, let alone grandiose statements by individuals few years ago.
Of course Moshiach can come any minute, and we await him every day. Still, claiming that these “proofs” are IT, may make one look like a fool if it doesn’t happen this year. There is a reason that his ultimate coming is called “Sod hageula”, for it is HIDDEN from the mortals. Specualtions do not equal facts, ask any investor who put his money into a “sure” venture few months ago.
Yes, let us do Teshuva because it is overdue, whether Moshicah will come tomorrow or in 50 years. By the way, did any of the quoted Gedolim tell their talmidim not to buy homes in the USA, for example? How can someone CONVINCED that it is happening NOW take out a 30 year mortgage?
Agav, “proof” # 1 is absolutely fallacious, since if you try counting the years, they simply do not divide by 28, among other problems. Nice story, though. Rabbi Svei, who, unfortunately isn’t well, did not learn by Reb Elchonon, besides the point. Stock market collapsed a lot worse in ’29, Hitler did more than talk, Carter was also elected, and all those events by themselves failed to bring the Geula, as far as we know. Oh yes, ice melts and refreezes, as can be scientifically witnessed by RECEDING seas over the last few hundred years. That cycle reverses itself, and has been doing so for longer that any written word exists.
So, learn ad davven as if he is coming tomorrow, but let it happen in Hashem’s own good time.