Fantasy or Reality?
Pictured: Isaiah's prophecy regarding peace engraved on the wall outside the UN building
At the turn of the 20th century, life expectancy for Americans was approximately 33-48 years.
In 1900, the average family had an annual income of $3,000 (in today's dollars). Around half of all American children lived in poverty. Most teenagers did not attend school; instead, they worked in factories or fields.
When Jewish immigrants arrived on the shores of America, known as the "De Goldene Medina," in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a common misconception that in order to succeed in America, they would need to assimilate into society and abandon their Jewish practices and unique lifestyles.
During the 1890s, physics and medicine underwent radical changes that reshaped our understanding of the world. The discoveries of X-rays, radioactivity, subatomic particles, relativity, and quantum theory brought about a revolution in how scientists viewed matter and energy. Additionally, physicians identified the first virus, and laboratory-based science transformed the practice of medicine.
Fast forward to the present day, the average life expectancy is approximately 78.6 years and steadily increasing. The national median family income in the United States today is around $70,000. The industrial revolution, information age and technological advancements including artificial intelligence, have provided us with tremendous opportunities for economic prosperity, access to quality education and the ability to connect with our Jewish heritage and community while developing a deeper appreciation for the Torah’s timeless teachings and relevant lessons.
Jewish individuals can now proudly and openly display and practice their Judaism while enjoying high levels of success and respect in almost all levels of government and corporate America.
Of course, it is important to note that there is still much progress to be made. The threats of violence, anti-Semitism, and all forms of bigotry unfortunately still persist. Recent tragic events serve as a reminder that we must do more to improve the world. Nevertheless, when compared to the past, we currently live in a relatively prosperous era.
In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, we recount the episode of the Jewish people preparing to enter the land of Israel after forty years of traveling in the desert.
Despite the Jewish peoples’ attempt to pass through the neighboring countries peacefully, the surrounding nations initiate an attack against them. After realizing that the Jews were quickly becoming victorious over the neighboring nations, the Moavite King Balak hires an idolatrous prophet Bilaam to curse the Jewish people. While Bilaam was only too happy to concede, G-d instructed him to bless the Jewish people instead. Ultimately, Bilaam shared some of the greatest blessings and prophecies concerning the future of the world and the purpose of creation- to reach the Messianic era.
As Maimonides, Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon (1135, Córdoba, Spain- 1204, Fustat, Egypt), explains in his Mishneh Torah: “In the future, the Messianic king will arise and renew the Davidic dynasty, restoring it to its initial sovereignty. He will build the Temple and gather the dispersed of Israel... Reference to Moshiach is also made in the portion of Bilaam who prophesies about two anointed kings: the first anointed king, David, who saved Israel from her oppressors; and the final anointed king who will arise from his descendants and save Israel in the end of days. 'A star shall go forth from Jacob' - This refers to David; 'and a staff shall arise in Israel' - This refers to the Messianic king”.
Contrary to the popular misconception that the end of days will consist of apocalyptic events, Judaism teaches that the era of the Messianic redemption will usher in a time of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth. The world will be without sickness, violence, poverty or death. The Jewish people will return to Israel and rebuild the Third Temple in Jerusalem. All nations on earth will recognize G-d and serve Him as one.
Two of the most fundamental tenets of the Jewish faith – as listed by Maimonides among the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith – are the belief in the ultimate redemption and the belief that the dead will be resurrected at that time. Why is the coming of Moshiach so central to the Jewish belief system?
Because the Torah teaches us that there is purpose to our world. And the Messianic Era is the actualization of that idea.
While Jewish belief also speaks of the soul's reward in the hereafter, earned through its toil in the course of life's journey, it sees the refinement of the physical and the infusion of holiness and purpose into the mundane as the paramount objective. It is the sanctification of the human body and the world at large that constitutes the very purpose of its creation. From the dawn of time, G‑d envisioned for Himself a "dwelling place" right here on Planet Earth. And He put us here to fashion this home. To transform darkness into light.
As we are approaching the final moments before the coming of Moshiach, the world is evolving into this new era. Throughout much of history, the prophecies mentioned in the Torah regarding the Messianic era seemed almost like a fantasy. However, currently they are becoming increasingly more realistic with each passing day.
To cite just a few examples of how ancient prophecies are being manifest:
Economic Prosperity:
“At that time there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor strife. All good things will be bestowed in abundance, and all delicacies will be accessible like dust.”- Maimonides
Information Age:
“…the earth shall be full of knowledge of G‑d as the waters cover the sea.”-Isaiah 11:9
Medical Revolution:
“The eyes of the blind shall be clear sighted, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened… the lame shall leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb shall sing…” (Isaiah 35:5-6). Death itself shall cease, as it is said, “Death shall be swallowed up forever and G‑d shall wipe the tears from every face…” (Isaiah 25:8)
Monotheism- The Foundation of Democratic Values:
“For then I shall turn to the peoples a pure tongue that all shall call upon the Name of G‑d to serve Him with one consent.”- Zephaniah 3:9
Universal Peace:
“…they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift a sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any more.”- Isaiah 2:4
Maimonides teaches that a person should always look at himself as equally balanced between merit and sin and the world as equally balanced between merit and sin... If he performs one mitzvah, he tips his balance and that of the entire world to the side of merit and brings deliverance and salvation to himself and others.
May we merit the coming of Moshiach now!
