During the era of exile, the service of each Jew should be permeated with the constant yearning and hope for the final redemption through Moshiach. Thus Pesikta Rabati[138] states:

What special Divine light are the Jewish people yearning for? For the light of Moshiach, as it is written[139], "And G-d saw the light that it is good." This teaches us that G-d foresaw Moshiach and his activities even before the Creation of the world. The Talmud[140] cites the question to be asked by the Heavenly Tribunal of each Jew: "Have you yearned for the salvation?" This refers to the final salvation through Moshiach. Rashi comments: "to yearn for the (fulfillment of the) words of the Prophets."

This is clearly set forth in the classical text of Ani maamin: "I wait for him - Moshiach - every day that he should come." Therefore, it should be manifest within one's observance of Torah and mitzvos, that these endeavors will bring and hasten the final redemption. This theme is expressed in Sefer HaSichos,[141] wherein the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe zt'l comments on the phrase in the Haggadah (from Mishnah[142]): "To include the Messianic era" - l'havee l'yemos haMoshiach: L'havee ("to bring") also means, in a deeper sense, that one's intention in all endeavors of Torah during the era of exile is that they should bring us to the Messianic era and the speedy advent of Moshiach.

This means that all of the positive and wondrous effects in the Messianic era are not a separate entity from the noble activities during the period of exile; rather, these are all the outgrowth which stem from the esteemed service of Jews during exile.

This is linked with one of the functions of Moshiach, at which time there will be the wholesomeness of Torah and mitzvos. As the meforshim[143] show the acrostic for the Talmudic term used for unanswered cases - TEYKU , "it remains a question": Tishbi Yetaretz Kushyos V'ibayos - Tishbi, referring to Eliyahu, will come and answer all the questions and difficult cases.

Moshiach will also reveal the inner reasons for all Torah aspects, as Rashi notes:[144] In the future, G-d will reveal the reasons for all Torah laws. Osiyos D'Rabbi Akiva[145] and Yalkut Shimoni[146] relate: G-d will teach the tzaddikim in Gan-Eden the reasons for Torah which He will present through Moshiach. Rambam states:[147] "Moshiach will teach Torah to all the people and will guide them in the path of G-d." In his Commentary on Mishnah,[148] Rambam posits: "Wonders will be revealed through him (Moshiach). All nations will serve him due to his great piety and wonders which will be performed through him.

Thus Rambam rules:[149]

The King Moshiach will arise and return the kingdom of David to its original sovereignty. He will build the Beis-Hamikdash and bring back the ingatherings of Jews from exile. Then, all Torah laws shall be in effect as they had been in previous times. Sacrifices will be offered; and the laws of Shemittah (7th Sabbatical year in Israel) and Yovel (Jubilee year) will be fully observed according to all the laws in Torah.

This Halachah portrays the status of Moshiach and his Divine mission, that he will bring back the wholesomeness of all halachos and mitzvos of the Torah.

As such, since Torah and mitzvos will then be complete, human existence will also become complete, as Rambam states:[150]

..The Jews will be relieved from the pressures of foreign governments who prevented them from observing Torah and mitzvos properly. For this reason, all the Prophets and Jewish Sages desired to see and live in the Messianic era. Also, Rambam notes:[151] Jews will be free to delve into the study and wisdom of Torah.

In essence, this utopian period will be enhanced by wondrous changes in the world at large, as Rambam declares[152]:

"At that time there will be no famine and no war; no jealousy or strife..and the entire world will be pre-occupied only with the endeavor to gain the knowledge of G-d."

This underscores our belief in the coming of Moshiach and how we eagerly await his coming: By studying Torah and observing mitzvos we are permeated with the belief that these holy endeavors will bring each person - and the whole world - to the wholesome study of Torah and mitzvos, and to the wholesome knowledge of the Creator - it is for this that each Jew and Jewess eagerly waits and prays for the speedy coming of Moshiach.

   

Notes:

138. (Back to text) Ch. 37

139. (Back to text) Bereishis 1:4

140. (Back to text) Shabbos 31a

141. (Back to text) 5703, p. 73

142. (Back to text) Berachos 12b

143. (Back to text) Tosphos Yom-Tov, Idyos/end. Sefer Ha'Aruch Hashalem.

144. (Back to text) Song of Songs 1:2

145. (Back to text) Letter zayin

146. (Back to text) Isaiah 429

147. (Back to text) Hilchos Teshuvah 9:2

148. (Back to text) Sanhedrin Ch. 10 - v'ata achel; Kapach's edition.

149. (Back to text) Hilchos Melachim 11:1

150. (Back to text) Hilchos Teshuvah 9:2

151. (Back to text) Hilchos Melachim 12:4

152. (Back to text) Ibid. 12:5