By asserting the imminence of Moshiach’s coming, aren’t we setting people up for a big fall? Isn’t it irresponsible — even dangerous — to raise hopes that may never be fulfilled?
It’s a fair question. But consider a parallel challenge that could be leveled at Judaism itself: isn’t it dangerous to speak of G-d as good and caring when the Holocaust happened? Shouldn’t we soften our theology to protect people from disillusionment?
Most people would reject that reasoning. We don’t water down our beliefs about G-d to make them safer. The same principle applies here.
Truth First, Then Safety
The real question isn’t whether belief in Moshiach’s imminent coming is emotionally safe. The first question is: is it true? Is there a genuine basis in Jewish tradition for anticipating Moshiach’s arrival at any moment?
Once that is established — and it is, overwhelmingly — the Torah takes responsibility for itself. We don’t edit our beliefs based on the fear that people might be disappointed. As the saying goes: life itself is hazardous to your health. Judaism has never promised a risk-free faith.
Faith Survives Disappointment
Judaism has endured centuries of dashed hopes, suffering, and unanswered prayers. We didn’t abandon our belief system because things didn’t unfold as we expected. On the contrary — we are here today precisely because we preserved our faith even when it appeared irrational to do so.
Maimonides writes that belief in Moshiach is one of the thirteen central principles of Jewish faith — and crucially, he adds: “even if he tarries, wait for him.” The faith is specifically designed to withstand delay. Disappointment is built into the equation.
The Mabit: Disappointment Should Strengthen, Not Weaken, Belief
Rabbi Moshe of Trani (the “Mabit”) takes this further. He writes that the belief in Moshiach is meant to intensify with every passing day that he hasn’t come. If he didn’t come today, there is an even greater likelihood that he will come tomorrow.
And here is his striking formulation: “One who does not believe and anticipate his coming imminently does not really believe that he will come at a later date either.” A watered-down, someday-maybe belief is no belief at all.
Belief Itself Brings Moshiach Closer
There is one more dimension to consider. Jewish teaching holds that our faith is not merely passive — it is active. Belief in Moshiach’s imminent coming is itself a catalyst that brings the Redemption closer. To suppress that belief in the name of caution is, in a very real sense, to delay what we are waiting for.
The danger, in other words, runs in the opposite direction.
Sources: Maimonides, Commentary on the Mishnah, Sanhedrin 10:1 (Twelfth Principle of Faith). Mabit, Beis Elokim, Sha’ar HaTefilah, ch. 17. Sefer HaSichot 5751, vol. II, p. 690. Tzemach Dovid, quoted in Midbar Kedamos.