By the Grace of G-d4th of Nissan, 5736Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

This is in reply to your letter of . . ., in which you refer to "A Thought For The Week," specifically to the quotation from Rambam, Hil. Melochim, regarding the sequence of events preceding Kibbutz Golyos. You question the definitiveness of the sequence in the Rambam on the ground that he uses the expression v’im - "And if..."

However, the p'shat in the Rambam is not, as you suggest, that the Rambam gives here only one possible example of the order of the actions which Moshiach will carry out. Rather - as can be seen from the continuation of the text there - the v'im refers to the person of the Moshiach and how he is to be identified without a doubt by his actions and accomplishments; it does not refer to the order of his actions.

As for your argument that the Rambam should have used a definitive expression, such as "Osid le-", he does indeed begin the whole chapter that way, as you also note in your letter. Note here, too, the order:

המלך המשיח עתיד לעמוד ולהחזיר מלכות דוד ליושנה לממשלה הראשונה ובונה בית המקדש ומקבץ נדחי ישראל.

At this time, with the approach of Pesach, Zman Cheiruseinu, I extend to you and yours prayerful wishes for a kosher and joyous Pesach, and may we all, in the midst of all our people, achieve true liberation from all distractions that hinder avodas Hashem wholeheartedly and with joy, and merit the fulfilment of the prophecy, כימי צאתך מארץ מצרים אראנו נפלאות, בביאת משיח צדקנו בקרוב ממש.

With blessing,