What does the word Moshiach mean?
Moshiach is the Hebrew word for “messiah.” The word messiah in English means a savior or a “hoped-for deliverer.” The word moshiach in Hebrew actually means “anointed.” In Biblical Hebrew, the title moshiach was bestowed on somebody who had attained a position of nobility and greatness. For example, the high priest is referred to as the kohen ha-moshiach.
In Talmudic literature the title Moshiach, or Melech HaMoshiach (the King Messiah), is reserved for the Jewish leader who will redeem Israel in the End of Days.
What is the belief in Moshiach?
One of the principles of Jewish faith enumerated by Maimonides is that one day there will arise a dynamic Jewish leader, a direct descendant of the Davidic dynasty, who will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather Jews from all over the world and bring them back to the Land of Israel.
All the nations of the world will recognize Moshiach to be a world leader, and will accept his dominion. In the messianic era there will be world peace, no more wars nor famine, and, in general, a high standard of living.
All mankind will worship one G‑d, and live a more spiritual and moral way of life. The Jewish nation will be preoccupied with learning Torah and fathoming its secrets.
The coming of Moshiach will complete G‑d’s purpose in creation: for man to make an abode for G‑d in the lower worlds — that is, to reveal the inherent spirituality in the material world.
What is the “End of Days”?
The term “End of Days” is taken from Numbers 24:14, and has always been understood as a reference to the messianic era.
Is this not a utopian dream?
No. Judaism fervently believes that, with the correct leadership, humankind can and will change. The leadership quality of Moshiach means that through his dynamic personality and example, coupled with manifest humility, he will inspire all people to strive for good. He will transform a seemingly utopian dream into a reality. He will be recognized as a man of G‑d, with greater leadership qualities than even Moses.
In today’s society, many people are repulsed by the breakdown of ethical and moral standards. Life is cheap, crime is rampant, drug and alcohol abuse are on the increase, children have lost respect for their elders. At the same time, technology has advanced in quantum leaps. There is no doubt that today man has all the resources — if channeled correctly — to create a good standard of living for all mankind. He lacks only the social and political will. Moshiach will inspire all men to fulfill that aim.
Why the belief in a human Moshiach?
Some people believe that the world will “evolve” by itself into a messianic era without a human figurehead. Judaism rejects this belief. Human history has been dominated by empire builders greedy for power.
Others believe in Armageddon — that the world will self-destruct, either by nuclear war or by terrorism. Again, Judaism rejects this view.
Our prophets speak of the advent of a human leader, of a magnitude that the world has not yet experienced. His unique example and leadership will inspire mankind to change direction.
Where is Moshiach mentioned in the Scriptures?
The Scriptures are replete with messianic references. In Deuteronomy 30:1, Moses prophesies that after the Jews have been scattered to the four corners of the earth, there will come a time when they will repent and return to Israel, where they will fulfill all the commandments of the Torah. The gentile prophet Balaam prophesies that this return will be led by Moshiach (Numbers 24:17–20). Jacob refers to Moshiach by the name Shiloh (Genesis 49:10).
The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Joel and Hosea all refer to the messianic era. It is worth noting that the wall outside the United Nations Building in New York is inscribed with the quote from Isaiah (2:4): “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any more.”
What sort of leader will Moshiach be?
Moshiach will be a man who possesses extraordinary qualities. He will be proficient in both the written and oral Torah traditions. He will incessantly campaign for Torah observance among Jews, and observance of the seven universal Noahide laws by non-Jews. He will be scrupulously observant, and encourage the highest standards from others. He will defend religious principles and repair breaches in their observance. Above all, Moshiach will be heralded as a true Jewish king — a person who leads the way in the service of G‑d, totally humble yet enormously inspiring.
When will Moshiach come?
Jews anticipate the arrival of Moshiach every day. Our prayers are full of requests to G‑d to usher in the messianic era. Even at the gates of the gas chambers, many Jews sang “Ani Maamin” — I believe in the coming of Moshiach.
The Talmud states that there is a predestined time when Moshiach will come. If we are meritorious, he may come even before that predestined time. Many Torah authorities are of the opinion that we are in the “epoch of Moshiach,” and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, stated on numerous occasions that the messianic redemption is imminent.
Could Moshiach come at any time, in any generation?
Yes. In every generation there is a person who potentially could be the Moshiach. When G‑d decides that the time has arrived, He will bestow upon that individual the necessary powers to precipitate the redemption.
Any potential Moshiach must be a direct descendant of King David, as well as erudite in Torah learning. Maimonides rules that if we recognize a human being who possesses the superlative qualities ascribed to Moshiach, we may presume that he is the potential Moshiach. If this individual actually succeeds in rebuilding the Temple and gathering in the exiles, then he is the Moshiach.
What exactly will happen when Moshiach comes?
Maimonides states in his Mishneh Torah that Moshiach will first rebuild the Temple and then gather in the exiles. Jerusalem and the Temple will be the focus of divine worship, and “from Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of the L‑rd from Jerusalem.”
The Sanhedrin — the supreme Jewish law court of 71 sages — will be re-established, and will decide on all matters of law. At this time, all Jews will return to full Torah observance and practice.
Will miracles happen?
The Talmud concludes that if we are meritorious, the messianic redemption will be accompanied by miracles. However, the realization of the messianic dream, even if it takes place naturally, will itself be the greatest miracle.
Some suggest that there will be two distinct periods in the messianic era: first a non-miraculous period, leading into a second, miraculous period. As Maimonides writes: “Neither the order of the occurrence of these events nor their precise detail is among the fundamental principles of the faith… one should wait and believe in the general conception of the matter.”
What will become of the world as we know it?
Initially, there will be no change in the world order, other than its readiness to accept messianic rule. Jealousy, hatred, greed and political strife will disappear, and all human beings will strive only for goodness, kindness and peace.
In the messianic era there will be great advances in technology, allowing a high standard of living. Food will be plentiful and cheap. But the focus of human aspiration will be the pursuit of the “knowledge of G‑d.” People will become less materialistic and more spiritual.
What are the “birthpangs” of Moshiach’s arrival?
The Talmud describes the period immediately prior to Moshiach as one of great travail and turmoil. There will be a world recession, and governments will be controlled by despots. It is in this troubled setting that Moshiach will arrive.
There is a tradition that a great war — the war of Gog and Magog — will take place, and much speculation as to its precise timing relative to Moshiach’s arrival. There is also a tradition that Elijah the Prophet will come to announce Moshiach’s imminent arrival, though according to other opinions, Moshiach may arrive unannounced.
When will the resurrection of the dead take place?
One of the principles of Jewish faith is belief in the resurrection of the dead. According to the Zohar, the resurrection will take place forty years after the arrival of Moshiach — though certain righteous individuals will arise earlier. All the dead will be resurrected in the Land of Israel.
What can be done to bring Moshiach?
In general, mankind must strive to perform more acts of goodness and kindness. The Jew is mandated to learn about the messianic redemption, and to strengthen his or her faith in Moshiach’s ultimate and imminent arrival.
Charity is a catalyst for redemption. The Lubavitcher Rebbe mounted a worldwide Moshiach campaign to heighten awareness of Moshiach’s imminent arrival, urging every Jew to prepare on a personal, family and community level. This can best be achieved by “living with Moshiach” — learning about Moshiach and yearning for his coming.
In Summary
The Jew always was and remains the eternal optimist. Even in his darkest hour, he hopes and prays for a brighter future — a world of peace and spirituality. That hope has a name: Moshiach.
Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov is a rabbinic scholar, lecturer and author, and director of Chabad Lubavitch in Wimbledon, UK. This article is based on his essay originally published on Chabad.org.