The road to redemption: A down to earth and meaningful conversation about Mashiach

Summary

Rabbi David Viggler presents the sixth lesson in his “Paradigm Shift” series, focusing on Moshiach (the Messiah) and ultimate redemption as understood through the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The rabbi emphasizes that belief in and anticipation of Moshiach is not merely a peripheral concept in Judaism but rather one of its most fundamental pillars, woven into daily Jewish practice through hand-washing before bread, grace after meals, and the Amidah prayer. He argues that for 2,000 years, Jews have repeatedly performed rituals specifically to be ready for Moshiach’s arrival at any moment.

The central paradigm shift presented is redefining redemption not as a cataclysmic event or apocalypse, but as a transformation of consciousness and perception. Drawing on the Hebrew linguistic connection between “galus” (exile) and “geulah” (redemption)—which differ only by the letter “aleph” (representing God)—Rabbi Viggler explains that redemption involves revealing the divine presence already inherent in creation. The world will not be destroyed or fundamentally altered; rather, the concealment will be removed, allowing humanity to perceive God’s presence and purpose in all things, much like seeing in color instead of black and white.

Key Takeaways

• Moshiach and redemption are foundational to Judaism, appearing in Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith and integrated into daily Jewish practice through multiple blessings and prayers throughout the day

• Redemption is not an apocalyptic end-times event but rather a shift in consciousness where the concealment of God’s presence is removed from the world we already know and love

• The Hebrew words for exile (galus) and redemption (geulah) differ only by the letter aleph, symbolizing that redemption involves revealing God’s presence within the existing world rather than creating something entirely new

• The Rebbe viewed bringing Moshiach as a personal mission and immediate responsibility, not a distant future event, emphasizing urgency and active anticipation

• Understanding Moshiach requires overcoming discomfort and unfamiliarity with the concept through deeper education about its true meaning in Jewish thought

Key Questions Addressed

• Why do we wash our hands before eating bread, and what does this ritual signify? (Answer: to be ready at any moment for Moshiach’s arrival)

• Why are people uncomfortable discussing Moshiach, and what makes it seem unfamiliar? (Answer: Lack of education and clarity about its true meaning)

• What exactly is Moshiach—is it a person, an event, or something else? (Answer: It is fundamentally a state of consciousness and heightened perception rather than a cataclysmic event)

• How does Jewish redemption differ from the Christian concept of redemption/apocalypse?

• How is the concept of redemption integrated into the daily practice and prayers of Judaism?

Keywords

Moshiach, Redemption, Geulah, Galus, Exile, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Maimonides, 13 Principles of Faith, Amidah Prayer, Divine Presence, Consciousness, Hebrew Language, Aleph, Paradigm Shift, Jewish Theology, Messianic Era, Chabad, Rambam, Third Temple, Revelation of God