Jewish law, as codified by the Rambam (Maimonides), provides clear, practical steps for bringing about the redemption (Geula). These laws are rooted in the Torah and guide the Jewish people on what actions are necessary to fulfill the process of redemption and establish the Messianic era (Yemot HaMoshiach).
Who is Moshiach?
Moshiach is a person who must meet specific qualifications and accomplish key tasks to be recognized as the redeemer:
1. First, He is a King:
Moshiach is a king or leader from the family of King David.
He must be a righteous person, fully observant of the Torah, and an expert in Jewish law.
He inspires the Jewish people to return to Torah observance and strengthens their connection to Hashem.
2. Second, He Becomes Moshiach When He Fulfills Certain Tasks:
He must rebuild the Holy Temple (Beit HaMikdash) in Jerusalem.
He must gather all Jews back to the Land of Israel from across the world.
Only after these tasks are completed is he confirmed as Moshiach Vadai (the definite Moshiach).
What Needs to Happen Before Redemption?
The process of redemption is not automatic. Jewish law explains the steps that need to be taken to bring it about:
1. Establish the Sanhedrin:
The Sanhedrin is the highest Jewish court of law, made up of 71 Torah scholars. It must be reestablished to oversee the process of redemption.
2. Identify a Prophet:
The Sanhedrin must confirm a true prophet to guide the Jewish people according to Hashem’s will.
It is important to note that while prophecy helps direct the process, it cannot change Jewish law (halakha). Jewish law remains unchanged since the giving of the Torah.
3. Appoint a King:
With the prophet’s guidance, the Sanhedrin appoints a Jewish king from the family of King David.
This king will lead the Jewish people and begin the redemption process.
4. Eradicate Amalek:
The king must fulfill the Torah’s commandment to eliminate Amalek, which refers to those who seek to harm the Jewish people without reason. This step removes baseless hatred and ensures the security of the Jewish nation.
5. Build the Third Temple:
Once the Jewish people are united and external threats are removed, the king leads the construction of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This marks the spiritual and physical center of the Messianic era.
The Role of the Rambam’s Halakhic Authority
The Rambam’s codification of these laws in Mishneh Torah serves as the foundation for practical halakhic guidance. His rulings on Moshiach and redemption remain the final and undisputed word in Jewish law.
Prophecy cannot change Jewish law or alter the Rambam’s rulings.
The Rambam’s work is universally accepted, including by great authorities such as the Rosh, the Beit Yosef (who based the Shulchan Aruch on his rulings), and the Alphas.
Today, when discussing the laws of Moshiach and redemption, we follow the Rambam as the definitive halakhic source.
In Summary
The redemption process is practical and actionable:
1. Reestablish the Sanhedrin.
2. Identify a prophet.
3. Appoint a king from the family of King David.
4. Eradicate Amalek (those who seek to harm the Jewish people).
5. Build the Third Temple in Jerusalem.
When these steps are completed, the king becomes Moshiach Vadai, ushering in the Messianic era. These guidelines, as taught by the Rambam, remain the halakhic roadmap for fulfilling the redemption.
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