Title: Comparing and Contrasting Rabbi Wasserman and Rabbi Nissenboym’s Views on the “Birth Pangs of the Messiah” and the Role of Zionism in the Nazi Era

Compare and contrast how Rabbi Elḥanan Wasserman and Rabbi Yitsḥak Nissenboym applied the concept of the “birth pangs of the Messiah” (and “footsteps of the Messiah”) to the Nazi era? Summarize R. Wasserman’s main argument in “Footsteps of the Messiah” and R. Nissenboym’s argument in “Doro shel Mashiaḥ” (Generation of the Messiah).  What key, opposing roles does Zionism have in each of these pieces?  Explain the ideological context behind how each of these rabbinic thinkers arrived at such radically different conclusions regarding Zionism?  Do you find that any of the arguments of these rabbis are applicable to what is happening today?