Moshiach: Fantasy or Reality?

Summary

This video presents the first part of a two-part series exploring Moshiach (the Jewish Messiah) and its centrality to Jewish faith and practice. The speaker, a community Rebbetzin, addresses common questions and skepticism about why Judaism emphasizes belief in Moshiach’s coming, particularly drawing on teachings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. She explains that belief in Moshiach is one of Maimonides’ thirteen principles of faith and is deeply embedded throughout Torah, Jewish law, prayers, and customs. The speaker emphasizes that this belief is not merely an abstract theory but a practical, lived reality that should inspire Jews to actively prepare spiritually and hasten redemption through mitzvot and increased observance.

The video explores historical and contemporary examples of Jews maintaining faith in Moshiach’s imminent arrival despite centuries of waiting and past disappointments from false messiahs. Through personal anecdotes and Talmudic sources, the speaker illustrates how this belief has provided hope and solace during periods of persecution and suffering. She also discusses the interconnected concepts of resurrection of the dead and the rebuilding of the Third Temple, which are tied to Moshiach’s arrival, and demonstrates how these beliefs are woven throughout Jewish customs, mourning practices, and daily rituals.

Key Takeaways

• Belief in Moshiach is a fundamental principle of Jewish faith (one of Maimonides’ thirteen principles) and is embedded throughout Torah, prayers, and Jewish customs rather than being peripheral to Judaism
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that actively learning about and discussing Moshiach, combined with performing mitzvot with intention, hastens the redemption and brings Moshiach’s reality into the world
• Jewish tradition teaches that every individual should maintain daily anticipation of Moshiach’s arrival and spiritually prepare themselves, as demonstrated by historical figures who literally kept their bags packed
• The concepts of Moshiach, resurrection of the dead, and rebuilding of the Temple are intricately connected and represent the ultimate purpose and telos of creation itself
• Despite historical disappointments from false messiahs and centuries of exile, authentic Jewish faith maintains unwavering belief in Moshiach’s coming without allowing doubt or delay to diminish this conviction

Key Questions Addressed

• Why is belief in Moshiach considered one of the central pillars of Judaism when there are 613 commandments and so many other important teachings to focus on?
• How can Jews maintain faith in Moshiach’s coming after thousands of years of waiting and repeated disappointments from false messiahs throughout history?
• What is the significance of the 28th day of Nisan in relation to Moshiach, and why did the Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasize this date?
• How are Jews supposed to actively participate in hastening Moshiach’s arrival, and what role do mitzvot and spiritual preparation play in this process?
• How is the belief in Moshiach connected to other fundamental Jewish beliefs such as resurrection of the dead and the rebuilding of the Third Temple?

Keywords

Moshiach, Redemption, Rambam (Maimonides), Lubavitcher Rebbe, Thirteen Principles of Faith, Resurrection of the Dead, Third Temple, Messianic Age, Mitzvot, Messiah, Jewish faith, Talmud, Torah, Prophecy, Spiritual preparation, Habad, Hasidim, False Messiahs, Loog Bone, Jerusalem, Temple, Redemption of captivity