Let’s Talk About Moshiach

A Jewish farmer returned home from synagogue and excitedly shared with his wife the content of the Rabbi’s speech. “Moshiach is coming imminently and he will 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 and who will look after the animals?”

The farmer’s excitement quickly dissipated and a heavy silence descended upon them. “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 elements of Jewish belief and yet Moshiach remains a frightening mystery to so many. There is real concern that this enigmatic messianic phenomenon will fundamentally alter their lives against their will. Do we really want that?

What type of world do we truly wish to live in? What type of future do we want for our children and grandchildren? The universal yearning of humanity is for a globe cleansed of war, famine, disease and hatred. Much is being done to achieve this goal, but everyone agrees that there is currently no philosophy or framework that can deliver this lofty goal for the benefit of all humanity.

On the final day of Pesach (Acharon Shel Pesach) we read a section of Isaiah that discusses the era of Moshiach. After describing the persona of the redeemer, the prophet describes the utopic era as a time when “the wolf will dwell with the lamb” and there will be no evil in the world.

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 and people will not 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 on Pesach because the exodus from Egypt was merely the beginning of the long road to the ultimate redemption. The Seder commemorates the accomplishments of the past and the final moments of Pesach are a time for us to focus on reaching the finish line.

The Baal Shem Tov would mark the closing moments of Pesach with a festive dinner in tribute to Moshiach. Rather than simply 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 Tuesday, April 18, 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 lechaim on four glasses of wine in anticipation for a better world to come.

Good Shabbos and Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Levi Greenberg