Moshiach. Really?

Summary

Rabbi Sholom Lipskar delivers a comprehensive lecture on the concept of Moshiach, covering its textual origins, philosophical foundations, and practical relevance. He begins by establishing that Moshiach — literally “the anointed one” — is not a name but a title referring to the anointed king (Melech HaMashiach) who will bring peace, wisdom, and the restoration of Jewish observance. Drawing extensively from Maimonides, he explains that belief in Moshiach is not optional but foundational: anyone who does not believe in him “denies not only the statements of the other prophets, but those of the Torah and Moses.”

The lecture traces Moshiach through three pivotal moments in history: creation, revelation, and redemption. Rabbi Lipskar explains that the “spirit of Moshiach” was already present at the beginning of creation, hovering over the waters as described in Genesis. The hidden primordial light created on the first day — before the sun existed — was stored away by God to be revealed in the Messianic era. He connects this to modern science, discussing the God particle and intelligent design, arguing that a universe of such sophistication must have meaning and purpose, and that purpose is fulfilled through redemption.

Rabbi Lipskar addresses the identity of Moshiach through Talmudic sources (Sanhedrin 98b), showing that sages openly identified their own teachers — and even themselves — as potential Mashiach candidates. He shares personal stories from his relationship with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, including the Rebbe’s own statement that “Mashiach himself does not know who he is until God sends him.” The lecture concludes with the Rebbe’s revolutionary 28 Nisan 1991 declaration — “I did whatever I could to bring Mashiach, now I’m leaving it in your hands” — and explains that each individual carries a spark of the Messianic soul and bears personal responsibility for bringing the redemption through acts of goodness, kindness, and Jewish observance.

Key Takeaways

• Moshiach is not a name but a title meaning “anointed” — referring to the anointed king who will restore Jewish sovereignty, rebuild the Temple, and bring world peace
• Belief in Moshiach is not peripheral but foundational to Judaism — Maimonides states that denying it means denying the Torah itself
• The spirit of Moshiach was present from the very beginning of creation; the hidden primordial light will be revealed in the Messianic era
• Human history has three pivotal moments: creation (what), revelation (why), and redemption (fulfillment) — Moshiach represents the third
• The Talmud records sages who identified their own teachers and even themselves as Mashiach candidates, establishing precedent for identifying a living person as Moshiach
• The Rebbe’s 28 Nisan 1991 statement placed the responsibility for bringing Moshiach on each individual, not on a single leader
• Every person carries a spark of the Messianic soul and can bring the redemption through personal acts of goodness and observance

Key Questions Addressed

• What does “Moshiach” actually mean, and what will the Messianic era look like according to Maimonides?
• Why is belief in Moshiach considered so fundamental that denying it is equivalent to denying the entire Torah?
• How was Moshiach present from the moment of creation, and what is the significance of the hidden primordial light?
• Can Moshiach be identified as a living person, and what Talmudic precedent exists for this?
• What was the Rebbe’s relationship to the concept of Moshiach, and what did his 28 Nisan declaration mean?
• What is each individual’s role in bringing the redemption?

Keywords

Moshiach, Mashiach, Maimonides, Rambam, Talmud Sanhedrin, Lubavitcher Rebbe, 28 Nisan, redemption, creation, revelation, intelligent design, God particle, primordial light, Melech HaMashiach, anointed king, Bar Kochba, Rabbi Akiva, Larry King, messianic era, personal responsibility