YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- Redemption - Geula
- Ways of Redemption
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Question: Who will ingather our exiles to the Land of Israel – will it be G-d, or the Mashiah? What is the source that a person will ingather us?
Answer: The Mashiah is described in several Biblical passages. The first one is in Parshat Balak, where the Gentile prophet Bil'am speaks his prophecy (Numbers 24,17), and as Maimonides explains, he is referring to the Mashiah. Many commentators also understand Isaiah 11 and 52-53, and elsewhere, as referring to the Mashiah. In the Midrash we find many references to the Redemption (Geula) that will come about via the Mashiah. And Maimonides ruled accordingly (Laws of Kings 11,1).
The Talmud records an Amoraic dispute on this matter (Tr. Sanhedrin 99a): "Rabbe Hillel [not Hillel the Elder, who lived much earlier, during the Second Temple period] said: There will be no Mashiah for Israel [because G-d Himself will redeem them], because [his prophecies were already] fulfilled during the times of King Hizkiyahu."
R. Yosef responded: "May G-d forgive Rabbe Hillel for saying this! King Hizkiyahu lived during the First Temple period, whereas the Prophet Zecharia prophesized during the Second Temple period about the future arrival of the Mashiah, saying: 'Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; raise a shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, victorious and triumphant, humble, riding on a donkey…' (Zech. 9,9)."
In Rabbe Hillel's opinion, the Redemption will come without a Mashiah, that is, without a central figure who will lead the Redemption process. This is precisely what we are seeing in our generation. But on the other hand, R. Yosef feels that the Redemption will in fact be led by the Mashiah.
And in truth, it could be that the two sages do not disagree. The first stage of the Geula will take place without a Mashiah, while later on in the process, the Mashiah will be revealed to the world and will conclude the Redemption.
In any event, Maimonides also wrote that it is not critical for us to study these matters, because "we will not know how it will be until it happens" (Kings 12,2). And in our generation we truly see how the Redemption is unfolding before our eyes without a specific Mahsiah, but rather via the entire Nation of Israel.
Question: Who will ingather our exiles to the Land of Israel – will it be G-d, or the Mashiah? What is the source that a person will ingather us?
Answer: The Mashiah is described in several Biblical passages. The first one is in Parshat Balak, where the Gentile prophet Bil'am speaks his prophecy (Numbers 24,17), and as Maimonides explains, he is referring to the Mashiah. Many commentators also understand Isaiah 11 and 52-53, and elsewhere, as referring to the Mashiah. In the Midrash we find many references to the Redemption (Geula) that will come about via the Mashiah. And Maimonides ruled accordingly (Laws of Kings 11,1).
The Talmud records an Amoraic dispute on this matter (Tr. Sanhedrin 99a): "Rabbe Hillel [not Hillel the Elder, who lived much earlier, during the Second Temple period] said: There will be no Mashiah for Israel [because G-d Himself will redeem them], because [his prophecies were already] fulfilled during the times of King Hizkiyahu."
R. Yosef responded: "May G-d forgive Rabbe Hillel for saying this! King Hizkiyahu lived during the First Temple period, whereas the Prophet Zecharia prophesized during the Second Temple period about the future arrival of the Mashiah, saying: 'Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; raise a shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you, victorious and triumphant, humble, riding on a donkey…' (Zech. 9,9)."
In Rabbe Hillel's opinion, the Redemption will come without a Mashiah, that is, without a central figure who will lead the Redemption process. This is precisely what we are seeing in our generation. But on the other hand, R. Yosef feels that the Redemption will in fact be led by the Mashiah.
And in truth, it could be that the two sages do not disagree. The first stage of the Geula will take place without a Mashiah, while later on in the process, the Mashiah will be revealed to the world and will conclude the Redemption.
In any event, Maimonides also wrote that it is not critical for us to study these matters, because "we will not know how it will be until it happens" (Kings 12,2). And in our generation we truly see how the Redemption is unfolding before our eyes without a specific Mahsiah, but rather via the entire Nation of Israel.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
