It is a foundation of Judaism that the messianic age can miraculously begin any day. Belief in the coming of Moshiach is one of the foundations of Jewish faith. Every day, Jews around the world pray for his arrival — not as a distant hope, but as an immediate reality. Even in the darkest moments of our history, Jews sang Ani Maamin — “I believe in the coming of Moshiach” — with complete conviction. Af al pi sheyismameha, im kol zeh achakeh lo — “Even though he may tarry, with all that, I will wait for him.”

So when is he coming? The Jewish answer is: Today. Hopefully.

The Talmud relates that Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi once asked Moshiach directly: “When are you coming?” Moshiach replied: “Today.” Later, Elijah the Prophet explained what he meant: “Today — if His voice you will hearken” (Psalm 95:7; Sanhedrin 98a). This wasn’t an evasive answer. Moshiach was conveying a profound attitude: the true, intrinsic state of G‑d’s creation is the perfect world of Moshiach. The imperfect reality we currently experience is superimposed and unnatural. Despite centuries of experience to the contrary, the Jew fully and realistically expects Moshiach now.

Great Torah leaders of our generation, including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, have stated clearly that the redemption is imminent. The signs are all around us. While no one knows the exact date, the message from our greatest teachers is: we are living in that time — right now.

But this raises a question someone once posed to the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn: if we expect Moshiach this very moment, how do we also plan for the future — budgets, projects, long-term goals? Which mindset do we adopt — the anticipant believer or the pragmatic doer?

The answer: both. The Jew must straddle two worlds simultaneously. He works to perfect an imperfect reality, dealing with the world as it is. And at the same time, he expects — genuinely expects — Moshiach’s arrival at any moment. These aren’t contradictory. They are the two hands of Jewish living.

And here’s the most empowering part: the timing isn’t entirely out of our hands. Jewish tradition teaches that our actions tip the scales. Every mitzvah, every act of goodness and kindness, every moment of Torah study brings Moshiach closer. You might be the one to make it happen — today.

Learn about the signs of Moshiach’s coming and find out what you can do to get ready.

Sources for this topic: Date of Mashiach’s Coming.