The Covid-19 global crisis is a dark tunnel, and humanity is on a train passing through it. According to Judaism, unlike other ancient worldviews, that train does not move in an endless circle. Rather it moves in a line toward a definite destination: The Complete Redemption, also called the Messianic Era.
All of the Biblical prophets described that destination: A world of universal peace, where "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither will they practice war any more." (Isaiah 2:4) That peace will prevail not only among nations, but also among individuals. People of different dispositions will live together in harmony. As Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan pointed out, the famous passage about concord in the animal kingdom is really an allegory for the end of human exploitation and violence. There will be no more predators and victims. "The wolf will dwell with the lamb; the leopard will lie down with the kid; the calf, the young lion, and the fatling together, will be led by a young child. The cow will graze with the bear; their young will lie down together; the lion will eat straw like the ox" (Isaiah 11:6-7).
How will this state of utopia come about? Through the advent of universal God-consciousness. As Isaiah prophesized, "The earth will be full of the knowledge of God, as the waters cover the sea" (11:9). All human folly and frailty derive from a lack of God-consciousness. As Judaism has been insisting for three and a half millennia, God is one. This means not just that there is only one God rather than a pantheon of many gods, but also that the underlying Truth of reality is oneness. When God created the physical world, He permitted the illusion of multiplicity and separation to mask the spiritual reality of oneness. During the coming period of the Complete Redemption [Geula Shleima], this mask will fall. All human beings will become cognizant of God and of the essential Godliness of other human beings.
This quantum leap in human consciousness will be brought about through the agency of an exceedingly wise and righteous human being called Moshiach [messiah], who will be a descendent of King David. Religious Jews pray thrice daily, "May the shoot of David sprout." One of the “Thirteen Principles of the Faith” delineated by Maimonides is, “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of Moshiach, and even though he tarries, with all that, I await his coming every day.” According to the sages of the Talmud, one of the six questions that all Jews will be asked when their souls come to heavenly judgment is, “Did you anticipate the Redemption?”
Is the World Ready for the Messianic Era?
Will the Messianic Era come soon, or is it shrouded in the mists of a distant future? According to our sages, the Moshiach must reveal himself by the year 6000. We are currently in the year 5780 of the Jewish calendar. However, certain factors can cause Moshiach to come sooner.
Historically, false messiahs have wrought calamity to the Jewish people.
Before discussing those factors and whether the current global crisis feeds into them, we must clarify a crucial issue: Most rabbis are reluctant to talk about Moshiach’s coming, and for good reason. There are historical and philosophical reasons for this aversion.
Historically, false messiahs have wrought calamity to the Jewish people. The best (actually, worst) example is Shabbetai Tzvi, who declared himself the Messiah in 1648. The Chmielnicki massacres of that year had decimated the Jewish population of Poland, leaving the Jews of Europe and the Ottoman Empire desperate for salvation. Over the next two decades, large masses of Jews became convinced that Shabbetai Tzvi was Moshiach. They sold all their property and started to journey to the land of Israel. (Return of the Jewish people to Israel is the first stage of the Messianic Era.)
But in 1666, when the Turkish Sultan offered him the choice of conversion to Islam or death, Shabbetai Tzvi became an apostate, crushing the hopes and spirits of all but his most die-hard followers. The resulting trauma left the Jewish people in a post-traumatic wary-of-Moshiach state that lingers to this day.
Rabbis throughout history have argued about whether it is permissible to calculate the date of the coming of Moshiach. The predominant view is that it is forbidden to calculate the date. Rabbi Pinchas Winston explains why. First of all, if one projects a specific date for Moshiach’s coming, then one will not expect him on all the days prior to that date. The Talmudic sages, however, established that Moshiach should be expected imminently. Additionally, those who project a specific date for Moshiach’s coming may be so deflated if he does not come that day that they will despair of his coming at all.
Nevertheless, the major rabbis of the last several decades have stated that humanity is in the general period of “the birthpangs of Moshiach.” Just as the birth of a baby is preceded by excruciating labor pains, so the wars and terrorism of this past century are the necessary prelude to Moshiach’s emergence.
The main controversy about when the world is ready for the Complete Redemption hinges on whether the pre-condition for Moshiach is that people will be exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. The Torah itself prophesizes a mass return to faith in God and adherence to the mitzvahs: “There will come a time when you will experience all the words of blessing and curse that I have presented to you…. And you will return to the Lord, your God, and obey Him. … Then the Lord your God will return your exiles” (Deut. 30:1-3).
The time leading up to the Messiah's arrival will be characterized by a predominance of chutzpah.
According to the Talmudic sages, however, the period of the “birthpangs of Moshiach” will be a time of decadence and scorn of those who live by Torah. It will be characterized by a predominance of chutzpah. “In the final days before the advent of Moshiach, chutzpah will abound…. Children will shame the elderly, and the elderly will stand before youth; a son will abuse his father, a daughter will rebel against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Those who fear sin will become repulsive, and truth will disappear. … The son of David [Moshiach] will not come … until slander proliferates” (Sanhedrin 97a).
Viewing the world through the Torah’s standards, one could say that the present age has hit a moral nadir. The “me-too” movement has revealed sexual assault and harassment of women as widespread as the coronavirus. Adultery rates in America indicate that 20 to 40% of married men and 20 to 25% of married women have engaged in marital infidelity. Close to 500,000 images of child pornography are posted on the internet every week. Anti-Semitism throughout the world has spiked. In such a world, how can the Complete Redemption occur?
The Chafetz Chaim, the great sage of the 20th century, solved the contradiction by declaring in his little-known work written in 1930, “There will be two categories of Jews in the generation of redemption, and both are instrumental in bringing the redemption closer.… The first category of those who hasten the redemption consists of those who vigorously intensify their service of God and that of their children, with all their hearts and souls” (On Awaiting Moshiach1, p. 23). The Chafetz Chaim goes on to describe the “second category of Jews who hasten the redemption”:
This generation will be weak in its religious observance, and each person will do as he sees fit.… Nevertheless, this should not cause us anguish, for this itself is a sign of the redemption! … They rely on their own judgment, which contradicts that of all previous generations. They despise those sages, scholars, and holy men of earlier generations who sacrificed their lives for the sake of each and every law of the Torah. …
Thus, no benefit can result from the continuation of this long exile. Israel’s merits are no longer growing and flourishing, thereby increasing our reward. On the contrary, acceptance of our tradition and compliance therewith continues to decrease and has almost ceased, God forbid. …
Therefore, the Holy One, blessed is He, must hasten the redemption and “open the eyes of the blind” to the true light. The Holy One, blessed is He, will not abandon His dispersed children, God forbid.… This is the meaning of the verse, “Yet, even then, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not abhor them or spurn them so as to destroy them and annul My covenant with them, for I am the Lord, their God” (Lev. 26:44).
… Accordingly, in the final period before the coming of Moshiach, there will be two categories of Jews. Both will hasten the arrival of Moshiach – one through their good deeds and suffering, and the other through unworthy deeds. Obviously, it is preferable to be included in the first category of Jews rather than the second [pp. 26-30].
COVID-19 and the Messiah
When the coronavirus first hit Europe and America, closing down commerce, schools, universities, entertainment, sports, etc., the pundits referred to it as pressing the “pause button” on society. But as of this writing, with nearly two and a half million people infected and 170,883 dead, many commentators are opining that the “pause button” is really a “reset button,” and that the world will never return to its pre-Covid-19 state.
Judaism’s response is always hope, because we are assured that all roads, however rough, lead to the Complete Redemption.
The Department for Strategic Planning within Israel’s Foreign Ministry on April 12, 2020 made public a document composed by twenty diplomats and Foreign Ministry experts. Among its dire predictions were an economic depression rivalling the Great Depression of the 1930s, global destabilization with China and the West locking horns, dwindling health supplies, and additional pandemics.
Rather than such predictions leading us to anxiety and despair, Judaism’s response is always hope, because we are assured that all roads, however rough, lead to the Complete Redemption. This resolute optimism, based on Biblical guarantees, has enabled the Jewish People to weather all the crises of our long and challenging history.
The current global crisis could be a likely scenario for the advent of Moshiach. Spiritual truth cannot sprout in ground crowded with the weeds of false beliefs and tenaciously-held fealty to false gods. The last few years have seen an unprecedented disillusionment with government. With the malls closed and the stock market in seizures, the bastions of materialism and economic security are crumbling. Confusion abounds. Might humanity now be open to hearing the voice of Moshiach?
Some Talmudic sages predicted that the Complete Redemption will come with miracles greater than the miracles of the Exodus from Egypt. Yet others declared that it will be a time of upheaval, of earthquakes and natural disasters, when no one will have any money in his pocket.
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating the speed of humanity’s train. We, all of us, are barreling toward the Complete Redemption. Whether we will reach the destination next week, next month, next year, or in a decade, no one knows. But the only way to be ready is to yearn for that period of peace, harmony, and universal God-consciousness, so we will recognize it when it – when we – arrive.
Dedicated to psychiatrist and author Kenneth Porter, who asked me about Moshiach.
Photo Credit: Seth Aronstam, www.inspirationalisrael.com
1. The Chofetz Chaim on Awaiting Moshiach rendered into English by Moshe Miller (Targum/Feldheim, 1993)
(21) Kelly Wesley, June 16, 2020 8:59 PM
Provide Resources
Can you please provide your resources for your statistics in this article. ie. adultery being 20-40% men, 20-25% women.
(20) Anonymous, May 14, 2020 4:16 PM
Excellent
Thank you, Sara Yoheved Rigler for this excellent article that was the dose of hope, I needed to read, today. I shall print it out and put with my other COVID-19 resources to reread and continue going forward to be prepared for the “new normal” environment whenever it comes.
(19) Sk, May 10, 2020 10:12 PM
I truly believe redemption is coming. We need to spiritually prepare ourselves. Our bad inclination is trying to distract us with politics. We need to put that aside and come together. Cry out for redemption and trust only in Hashem to help us.
(18) Erika Kish, May 3, 2020 7:38 AM
Inspiring
What a beautiful writing touching my soul by explaining everything so clearly I’m so grateful for your words thank you from my heart , thank you
(17) Maria Dodoc, April 28, 2020 12:24 PM
Thank You!
(16) Jordan, April 28, 2020 11:28 AM
The gematria of Corona
A cute addition: the gematria [numerical value in Hebrew] of Corona in Hebrew, without the vav equals "Mashiach Ba" -- the Messiah is coming.
Dvirah, April 29, 2020 4:10 PM
Furthermore
When a word that could include a yud or a vav is written without the letter, it is called "krav hasser" - writing that is lacking. In this gematria, the ktav hasser gives the answer to what we are now lacking.
(15) Harold Rosenholtz, April 28, 2020 10:53 AM
The uncertainty continues.
A well written article which inadvertently confirms the mystical uncertainty surrounding the appearance of Moshiach. We only seem to know that we don't know. Instead, authors on this subject resort to intelligent speculation about his entry into global society based upon cryptic and tautological statements of CHAZAL which require greater clarity. In any event, let us hope IY"H that our speculation and uncertainty will soon be ending with the Good News of his arrival.
(14) Anonymous, April 27, 2020 6:49 AM
Great article
Illuminating!
(13) Anonymous, April 27, 2020 5:46 AM
Rabbi Pinchas Winston & Moshiach Question
Why does Rabbi Pinchas Winston say that Kabbalistic sources say the messiah has to come by 2030 at the latest? If Winston changed his mind and doesn’t think that anymore, that’s OK, but he should clarify what he means rather than give false hope. According to Winston’s website thirty six.org, “While the rest of the religious world lived with the belief that Moshiach could come anytime until 6000, the Leshem, based upon the Zohar, said that he HAD to have come by at least 5790, or 2030!”
(12) Simcha Talia Hirsch, April 27, 2020 5:20 AM
Seems Like We are Almost There
It seems like this COVID-19 is taking us just one step closer to the coming of Moshiach. The article states: In the final days before the advent of Moshiach, chutzpah will abound…. Children will shame the elderly, and the elderly will stand before youth; a son will abuse his father, a daughter will rebel against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Those who fear sin will become repulsive, and truth will disappear. … The son of David [Moshiach] will not come … until slander proliferates” (Sanhedrin 97a). Seems like this is happening pretty much on a daily basis on facebook. Family and others unfriending each other over differing political and/or moral views. From my observations it truly does seem there are those two type of Jews as well, the one's who vigorously intensify their service of God and that of their children, with all their hearts and souls” and the one's that will be weak in its religious observance, and each person will do as he sees fit. There have already been several earthquakes since COVID-19 appeared. Then there have also been several tornados as well. I suspect there will be coming hurricanes, droughts, forest fires and other natural disasters coming down the road. Religious and political leaders cannot wage war on the poor and oppress the less fortunate to the extent it is happening now in the world and not expect God to react. Concerning the statement "Some Talmudic sages predicted that the Complete Redemption will come with miracles greater than the miracles of the Exodus from Egypt. Yet others declared that it will be a time of upheaval, of earthquakes and natural disasters, when no one will have any money in his pocket.," I think it is totally possible both things could happen at the same time. It all depends on the actions of the people's of the world in many ways. Will they repent and return to God, or harden their hearts and suffer?
(11) Sharona, April 27, 2020 4:21 AM
We can all do our part to bring Redemption We can each pick a mitzvah like, guarding our tongue from gossip, or lighting Shabbos candles on Friday before sundown. Strengthening our prayers, doing chesed , kindness etc
(10) MESA, April 27, 2020 1:49 AM
I’m always a bit skeptical of predictions about Moshiach. But I’m feeling a little desperate right now. How much longer is Moshiach going to keep us waiting? We need him NOW!
Daniel, April 27, 2020 7:30 PM
G-d brings salvation not mashiach
Just as God will bring salvation to his people from all the worlds ill’s through his messenger Mashiach, he can bring your salvation right now. I speak to myself as well when I say, Do not look to the future time of Mashiach for your salvation, rather, pray and hope for G-D‘s salvation now.
(9) Anonymous, April 26, 2020 6:28 PM
How to get to the messianic era
We humans will come to a messianic era either on our own will, by doing the mitzvahs and rules of Torah, or It will come after so much suffering, pain and death. It will come either way. It is up to us! But can everyone reach that level? Torah tells us to show more love and kindness to those who irritate us, who are bad to us. That doesn’t mean be passive. Actually It is just the opposite! Actively reach out to those who are doing the wrong things and connect with them, love them, help them to find the godliness in themselves. Unite stronger instead of pushing away and criticizing.
(8) Shari Schwartz, April 26, 2020 5:54 PM
I’m sure what Mrs. Rigler meant...
I was going to write such a glowing comment - but I see others already have. But I also see a couple of comments that I would like to address. Mrs. Rigler is the last person in the entire world who would criticize or judge or divide Jews into two categories. She was explaining that we are told that Moshiach can come two ways - either when we are so good or so bad. And she was saying that indeed there are some who devote their lives adhering to the dictates of the Torah which is deemed to be good and obviously there are those who do not. So where does that leave us? I think that is all that she meant by those statements. I believe she would be the first to agree with what has been written in this section. After all I’ve read all these weeks, this informative, insightful overview was the best and exactly what I needed to soothe my wearied worried soul. Todah!
(7) marc dorwitt, April 26, 2020 5:43 PM
Where does climate change / global warming put us in the messianic age?
This covid crisis is only the forerunner of the far greater environmental catastrophe our civilization is causing, which is fossil fueled cllimate change, and environmental collapse. Any ideas on how the torah views this? Also, corona virus is a result of extreme cruelty to animals.
(6) Ronda Robinson, April 26, 2020 5:28 PM
Beautiful article
Sara, I love reading your articles. They are well-written, well-researched, deep and meaningful. This one is a keeper. Thank you!
(5) Ruth Fogelman, April 26, 2020 3:59 PM
Another brilliant article by Sara Yocheved
Thank you, Sara, for this brilliant and well-researched article!
However, I agree with Meira Aviva ( comment 2) that it is not for us to judge our fellows. That is HaShem's job; our job is to improve our selves, and see the good, however small it is, in others. Our job is to turn away from bad and do what is good, which includes, of course, not badmouthing ANYONE else - or even listening to others do so!
I hope and pray that our sincere prayers and acts of kindness will move Hashem to swiftly remove this plague from the world and bless us all with health, peace and tranquility, and that He will give us the privilege of health, good news and full redemption.
(4) Prem Karki Avatara*, April 26, 2020 3:39 PM
Divine Love is whispering
A Messiah ( = Moshiach ) which come not alone, despite is starting together with few other superconscious ones, and then keeping on with a growing number of spiritual resurrected ones, from some to many to then even all conscious ones,
to testify holiness, give brightly holy guidance and then to blessing each and all beings (almost immediately and explicitly manifesting in and by those of "good heart & will"!
(3) Anonymous, April 26, 2020 2:47 PM
The days are evil... this article makes that verse of the Bible even more palpable
Thank you for reminding those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see, that the truth endureth forever!
(2) Meira Aviva, April 26, 2020 2:18 PM
Yes!!! But one note of caution
Beautiful, thoughtful reminder of hope for all! I would like to plead, though, in the name of achdut that we as a people do not focus unduly on the idea of “2 types of Jews.” We become our own worst enemy when we take it upon ourselves to identify which of our fellows might be in which category. Please, let us look to our own hearts and look for the good in our sisters and brothers, and leave the rest to H”.
(1) Simon, April 26, 2020 1:48 PM
BITTERSWEET
Throughout history, there has been suffering. Much suffering. While HaShem is so sweet, so good, the world is full of good, and some bad. We must certainly mourn for those created in the image of HaShem that have lost their lives and the families of those who lost their lives. The image of a better world, a world when the Moshiach arrives, should comfort and fortify the strength of all of us!