What will the Mashiach really be like?

July 10, 2008 · Filed Under Other Jewish World Commentary ·

Here’s a thoughtful and well researched piece explaining how Mashiach will be first and foremost a political figure rather than a religious figure. I do admit that the author used a very controversial comparison to bring home his message but his message his brought home very effectively. I think this misinterpretation of Mashiach as a spiritual figure rather than a political one is one of the main obstacles of current Jewish Thought to the recognition of the great miracles God has granted our generation.

Here is the post.

I would add that the Rambam’s prototype for Mashiach is Bar Kochba. Bar Kochba did not teach a single Mishna. He was not a rabbi. Rather, the rabbi in his camp was Rabbi Akiva. He was a political figure, a political leader leading the fight for the restoration of Jewish Sovereignty on our land. Does Mashiach need to be religious? Yes (as is mentioned in the post). Is he Mashiach because of his religiosity? No. He’s Mashiach because of his great political leadership. His religiousness is something which comes along.

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Lion of Zion Says:
July 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Wasn't Bar Kocheva was a military leader, not a political leader? (although it guess the distinction back then was not as clear) And as far as military leaders go, I fell in love with Yiftach a few weeks ago: http://agmk.blogspot.com/2008/07/histical-resonan...“> ” target=”_blank”>http://agmk.blogspot.com/2008/07/histical-resonan...

Dan Says:
July 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

I guess your definition of military leader is more accurate.. however I would agree that the distinction back then was not clear, and even today, in revolutionary movements, its not always clear. Remember, there was no established state then, it was a revolutionary movement. In revolutionary movements, usually, the political leader is also a military leader.