Editing Moshiach ben Yosef (section)

==== Rambam's Perspective on Mashiach ben Yosef ====
The Rambam writes in his book that: "No person will know how things will be until they come to pass" and according to many opinions, Mashiach ben Yosef is a metaphor. The Rambam himself does not refer to Mashiach ben Yosef in his book. Rabbi Saadia Gaon wrote that Mashiach ben Yosef will not necessarily come, and it depends on the Jewish people; if the Jewish people return in teshuvah, Mashiach ben David will come immediately, and if not, Mashiach ben Yosef will come before him.

Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeschutz brings in his book Yaarot Devash in the name of the Zohar that Mashiach ben Yosef is included within Mashiach ben David, and when he asks Hashem for life as mentioned above, he is asking for the aspect of Mashiach ben Yosef that is included within him.

(According to the Vilna Gaon's approach, Mashiach ben Yosef is not a physical person but refers to all the tzaddikim and great Jewish leaders who were killed al kiddush Hashem. He even lists in his book 156 characteristics that will be present in Mashiach ben Yosef. The Vilna Gaon also wrote that Mashiach ben Yosef does not have to be male and can also be female).