A simple Jew in an Eastern European shtetl came home from services with exciting news. “Moshiach is coming soon to take us all to Israel! Can you imagine? No more problems from the anti-semitic landowner or pogroms from the Cossacks!” “How can we move to Israel now?” his wife cried. “We just finished renovating the barn!” The farmer’s excitement dissipated and there was an awkward silence. “Not to worry,” said the woman with a smile. “G-d saved us from the Cossacks, He will surely save us from Moshiach as well.” It is one of the fundamental Jewish beliefs and yet Moshiach remains a frightening mystery to so many. Do we really want this enigmatic messianic phenomenon to change our lives against our will? What type of world do we wish to live in? What type of future do we want for our children and grandchildren? Humanity yearns for a world free of war, famine, disease and hatred. On the final day of Pesach (Acharon Shel Pesach) we read a section from Isaiah about the era of Moshiach. After describing the persona of the future redeemer, the prophet envisions the utopic era he will deliver as a time when “the wolf will dwell with the lamb;” a time when all peoples will dwell together in peace. No more war, famine, disease or hatred. How will this be possible? “For the earth will be filled with knowledge of the L-rd, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9). The main role of Moshiach is to serve as the ultimate teacher for all of humanity. Nations will not be coerced to lay down their arms, nor will we be forced to treat each other with respect. Moshiach will reveal the truth of reality to all and peace will be the automatic result. If anyone resists these changes, you will know that Moshiach has not yet arrived. The message of Moshaich is so relevant to Pesach because the exodus from Egypt was the beginning of the long road to ultimate redemption. At the Seder we commemorate the accomplishments of the past and at the conclusion of Pesach we focus on reaching the finish line. The Baal Shem Tov would celebrate the conclusion of Pesach with a festive dinner in tribute to Moshiach. Rather than only learning, praying and yearning for His arrival, Moshiach should also be a culinary experience – similar to how the Seder brings the message of freedom to all our senses. I invite you to join us on Thursday, April 16, 7:00pm at Chabad for Seudat Moshiach – the dinner in tribute to Moshiach. Discover the real facts behind this fundamental Jewish topic and enjoy some final bites of Shmurah Matzah and other Passover delicacies. If you cannot join us, I encourage you to eat some matzah and toast l'chaim on four glasses of wine in anticipation for a better world to come.