- All the Questions
Shabbat clothes and Messiah’s coming
Question
This acclaimed commentary concludes this section with a fascinating comment: In this light one may understand an oral tradition passed down from the Vilna Gaon (see Chevlei Mashiach Bizemaneinu, p. 134), that when the Russian navy passes through the Bosporus it will be time to put on Sabbath clothes (in anticipation of the coming of Mashiach). What does this passage mean? And what are Sabbath clothes and of what significance are these clothes in general and in light of Messiah’s coming? Shalom
Answer
I discussed this issue with Rabbi Dov Eliach, author of the biography "Ha’Gaon" of the Vilna Gaon’s life and teachings. He told me that he is aware that there are writings of Brisker Talmidim in the name of the Brisker Rav regarding this rumor. The Brisker Rav’s opinion was that the Vilna Gaon’s assessment was true for his times and is not relevant nowadays.
This is also mentioned in his book " Ha’Gaon " part 2 chapter 24 on Emunah & Bitachon p. 765 note 60.
In regard to wearing Shabbat clothes, it is ruled in Halachah than one should wear nice clothes on Shabbat just as one who goes out to greet a king or a Chattan & Kallah, and the way people dress at meetings with important people. It is obvious that people will dress in their finest clothes when greeting the Messiah (see Shabbat 113a and 119a. and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 262).

Popcorn at the cinema
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 8, 5773

torah inheritance laws pt2
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 12, 5782

Tu Bishvat
Various Rabbis | Shevat 10, 5769

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt
Founder & dean of YORU a unique program designed to cultivate the next generation of Rabbis and Jewish leaders
Learning Gemara
Elul 24, 5769
Kibud Av Va'Em
Elul 24, 5769
Is Induction Cooktop good for Pessach?
Cheshvan 11, 5770
Growing wine at a Jewish Cemetery permitted?
Elul 27, 5769

Bracha on Birth of Children
Various Rabbis | Tevet 26, 5773

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769

Kashrut of a corelle plate
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 6 Tevet 5766

Noahide laws and Islam
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 21 Sivan 5765

Chareidim and Israel
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 22, 5782

negiah with niece - level of prohibition
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 21, 5782

About Olam
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 21, 5782
