NO PLANES-NO JEWS CAN COME TO ISRAEL-PREDICTION OF Messiah TIMES Classical Jewish texts depict a Messiah who will come to redeem the Jewish people, gather the exiled to the land of Israel, and rule over a prosperous nation, and relate other more detailed (and diverse) traditions about the Messiah's arrival as well as the conditions of the messianic era. According to the Talmud ( Babylonian Talmud Rosh Hashana 31a and Sanhedrin 97), Midrash and the Zohar the 'deadline' by which the Messiah must appear is 6000 years from creation (approximately the year 2240 in our calendar though calculations vary Converting to Judaism in the Messianic Age A central question that preoccupied the rabbis was how the messianic age would differ from the present age. One concern was that many Gentiles would convert to Judaism at the last moment just in order to participate in the new age. Some sages concluded, therefore, that "converts are not received in the days of the Messiah," just as they were not welcome in the days of David and Solomon ( Babylonian Talmud Yevamot 24b) THEREFORE IF THERE ARE NO PLANES, NO GENTILES CAN COME TO ISRAEL TO CONVERT TO JUDAISM. What is the "End of Days"? The term "End of Days" is taken from Numbers (Bamidbar) 24:14. This has always been taken as a reference to the messianic era. Here we shall explore—albeit briefly—the Jewish belief in the coming of Moshiach (Messiah). What does the word Moshiach mean? Moshiach is the Hebrew word for "messiah." The word messiah in English means a savior or a "hoped-for deliverer." The word Moshiach in Hebrew actually means "anointed." In Biblical Hebrew, the title Moshiach was bestowed on somebody who had attained a position of nobility and greatness. For example, the high priest is referred to as the kohen ha-Moshiach. In Talmudic literature, the title Moshiach, or Melech HaMoshiach (the King Messiah), is reserved for the Jewish leader who will redeem Israel at the End of Days. What is the belief in Moshiach? One of the principles of Jewish faith enumerated by Maimonides is that one day there will arise a dynamic Jewish leader, a direct descendant of the Davidic dynasty, who will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather Jews from all over the world and bring them back to the Land of Israel. All the nations of the world will recognize Moshiach to be a world leader, and will accept his dominion. In the messianic era, there will be world peace, no more wars nor famine, and, in general, a high standard of living. All mankind will worship one G‑d, and live a more spiritual and moral way of life. The Jewish nation will be preoccupied with learning Torah and fathoming its secrets. The coming of Moshiach will complete G‑d's purpose in creation: for man to make an abode for G‑d in the lower worlds—that is, to reveal the inherent spirituality in the material world. Is this not a utopian dream? No! Judaism fervently believes that, with the correct leadership, humankind can and will change. The leadership quality of Moshiach means that through his dynamic personality and example, coupled with manifest humility, he will inspire all people to strive for good. He will transform a seemingly utopian dream into a reality. He will be recognized as a man of G‑d, with greater leadership qualities than even Moses. In today's society, many people are repulsed by the breakdown of ethical and moral standards. Life is cheap, crime is rampant, drug and alcohol abuse is on the increase, children have lost respect for their elders. At the same time, technology has advanced in quantum leaps. There is no doubt that today man has all the resources—if channeled correctly—to create a good standard of living for all mankind. He lacks only the social and political will. Moshiach will inspire all men to fulfill that aim. Why the belief in a human messiah? Some people believe that the world will "evolve" by itself into a messianic era without a human figurehead. Judaism rejects this belief. Human history has been dominated by empire builders greedy for power. Others believe in Armageddon—that the world will self-destruct, either by nuclear war or by terrorism. Again, Judaism rejects this view. Our prophets speak of the advent of a human leader, of a magnitude that the world has not yet experienced. His unique example and leadership will inspire mankind to change direction. Where is Moshiach mentioned in the Scriptures? The Scriptures are replete with messianic quotes. In Deuteronomy 30:1 Moses prophesies that, after the Jews have been scattered to the four corners of the earth, there will come a time when they will repent and return to Israel, where they will fulfill all the commandments of the Torah. The gentile prophet Balaam prophesies that this return will be led by Moshiach (see Numbers 24:17-20) Our forefather Jacob refers to Moshiach by the name Shiloh (Genesis 49:10) Moshiach will be a man who possesses extraordinary qualities. He will be proficient in both the written and oral Torah traditions. He will incessantly campaign for Torah observance among Jews, and observance of the seven universal Noahide laws by non-Jews. He will be scrupulously observant and encourage the highest standards from others. He will defend religious principles and repair breaches in their observance. Above all, Moshiach will be heralded as a true Jewish king, a person who leads the way in the service of G‑d, totally humble yet enormously inspiring. When will Moshiach come? Jews anticipate the arrival of Moshiach every day. Our prayers are full of requests to G‑d to usher in the messianic era. Even at the gates of the gas chambers, many Jews sang "Ani Maamin"—I believe in the coming of Moshiach! He will not arrive on the Sabbath since that would require people to violate the Sabbath in welcoming him [Babylonian Talmud) Many rabbis believed that the Messiah will arrive suddenly on the eve of Passover, the first redemption, which serves as a model of the final redemption [Mekilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, Pischa 14]. Corruption and Degradation Will Precede Redemption One statement from the time of the rabbis describes the era leading up to the Messiah in the darkest terms of societal corruption: Some sages predicted that the Messiah would not arrive until Israel observed the commandments more fully: Specific Features of the Messianic Age Foreign nations would not be obliterated in the messianic era. Nations such as Rome would come to the Messiah to pay tribute to him, but their appeals for a favor would be rejected. BT Pessahim 118b "Jews are required to keep the Sabbath, to eat kosher, to pray, and all the other commandments. But we show our love for God by doing things that are not commandments; by choosing to live in Israel. When someone says that they want to come to the land of their fathers because that is where God's presence is felt the most, then God says 'Wow!'" However, the Talmud states that there is a predestined time when Moshiach will come. If we are meritorious, he may come even before that predestined time. This "end of time" remains a mystery, yet the Talmud states that it will be before the Hebrew year 6000. (The Hebrew year now is 5780.) This does not rule out the possibility of Moshiach coming today and now, if we merit it. It should be noted that many Torah authorities are of the opinion that we are in the "epoch of the Moshiach," and many Rabbi's have stated on numerous occasions that the messianic redemption is imminent. Maimonides, the great Jewish philosopher, and codifier of the 12th century, rules that if we recognize a human being who possesses the superlative qualities ascribed to Moshiach, we may presume that he is the potential Moshiach. If this individual actually succeeds in rebuilding the Temple and gathering in the exiles, then he is the Moshiach. What exactly will happen when Moshiach comes? Maimonides states in his Mishneh Torah—a compendium of the entire halachic tradition—that Moshiach will first rebuild the Temple and then gather in the exiles. Jerusalem and the Temple will be the focus of divine worship, and "from Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of the L‑rd from Jerusalem." The Sanhedrin—the supreme Jewish law court of 71 sages—will be re-established, and will decide on all matters of law. At this time, all Jews will return to full Torah observance and practice. It should be noted that in this present age of great assimilation and emancipation, an unprecedented return of Jews to true Torah values has taken place. This "Baal Teshuvah" phenomenon is on the increase, and paves the way for a full return in the messianic era. Will miracles happen? The Talmud discusses this question and again arrives at the conclusion that, if we are meritorious, the messianic redemption will be accompanied by miracles. However, the realization of the messianic dream, even if it takes place naturally, will be the greatest miracle. LIKE CANCELLATION OF ALL PLANES GOING ON ALL OVER THE WORLD. Maimonides writes, "Neither the order of the occurrence of these events nor their precise detail is among the fundamental principles of the faith . . . one should wait and believe in the general conception of the matter." What will become of the world as we know it? Initially, there will be no change in the world order, other than its readiness to accept the messianic rule. All the nations of the world will strive to create a new world order, in which there will be no more wars or conflicts. Jealousy, hatred, greed and political strife (of the negative kind) will disappear, and all human beings will strive only for goodness, kindness, and peace. In the messianic era, there will be great advances in technology, allowing a high standard of living. The food will be plentiful and cheap. However, the focus of human aspiration will be the pursuit of the "knowledge of G‑d." People will become less materialistic and more spiritual. What are the "birth pangs" of Moshiach's arrival? The Talmud describes the period immediately prior to the advent of Moshiach as one of great travail and turmoil. There will be a world recession, and governments will be controlled by despots. It is in this troubled setting that Moshiach will arrive. There is a tradition that a great war will take place, called the war of Gog and Magog, and there is much speculation as to the precise timing of this war in relation to Moshiach's arrival. There is a tradition that Elijah the Prophet will come to the world and announce the imminent arrival of Moshiach. However, according to other opinions, Moshiach may arrive unannounced. Elijah would then arrive to assist in the peace process. Some suggest that if the Moshiach arrives in his predestined time, then Elijah will announce his arrival; but if Moshiach comes suddenly, then Elijah will appear after Moshiach has come. As mentioned before, it is unclear as to exactly how these events will unfold. However, this uncertainty does not affect the general matter of Moshiach's arrival. When will the resurrection of the dead take place? One of the principles of Jewish faith is the belief in the resurrection of the dead. According to the Zohar—an early Kabbalistic text—the resurrection will take place forty years after the arrival of Moshiach. However, certain righteous individuals will arise with the coming of Moshiach. All the dead will be resurrected in the Land of Israel. Charity is a catalyst for redemption. And every day in our prayers, we sincerely plead many times for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the ingathering of the exiles and the return to Torah observance under the leadership of Moshiach. Summary In conclusion, the Jew always was and remains the eternal optimist. Even in his darkest hour, he hopes and prays for a brighter future—a world of peace and spirituality. The sages of Israel, from whose words we derive life, already taught us that the mitzvah (Torah commandment) to live in Israel was established as one of the greatest of the mitzvoth by Nachmanides, Maimonides, and all the other sages who establish the law…Therefore, at this time, we are sending out a holy proclamation to those who dwell outside of Israel, to wake up and hurry, and to investigate every possible way that is in your ability to come to live in Israel. You must educate your children about the great spiritual level of those who do so and to help them in every way you can to come and dwell in the Holy Land. This is especially true now when there is a threat to the sanctity of Israel and the Jews from outside. Every Jew who moves here will be an aid in fighting off this threat to the sanctity and will establish the future of Judaism throughout the world and will merit those who come to its aid. The one who chooses Zion and Israel will surely merit to see miracles and wonders, and may our eyes see the return of God to Zion." | 
