What Jews Look For in a Messiah

[Roemer_Trock]

Hello Valke,

I am quiet familiar with the classical arguments why the Jews do not accept Yeshua not to be Moshiach (universal peace, universal knowledge of God, rebuilding of the temple, resurrection of the dead, ingathering of the exiles). But can you help me understand one thing? In the beginning of the second century (I believe around 118) Rabbi Akiba (a revered Rabbi by his contemparies as well as modern religious jewry) “appointed” Bar Kokba as messiah. Bar Kokba was killed during the Bar Kokba revolt against Rome and eventually Rabbi Akiba was skinned alive by the romans. Bar Kokba turned out to be a false messiah although he looked a very promising figure. There are certain sections of Chabad that consider Rabbi Menachem Schneerson to be Moshiach.

Can you explain how Rabbi Akiba can “appoint” somebody Moshiach when it is clear that the messianic age had not arrived yet (there was no universal knowledge of G’d as stated in Jer 31:34). How come that a certain group in Chabad thinks Rabbi Schneerson is Moshiach when there is obviously no universal peace and knowledge of God (Isa 11:6-9)?

 

[paarsurrey]

Hi

The Jews needed and were waiting for a WarriorMessiah who would return them the old days of conquest of David’s time. Just like the present day RadicalMuslims, they wait for a WarriorMessiah or ImamMahdi that would perish their enemies and return them their occupied lands. It is only for this very reason that they have not accepted the peaceful PromisedMessiah 1835-1908 and ImamMahdi (two symbolic names for one and the same person).It is difficult for them to understand that the reformers or the DivineGuides have nothing to do with the worldly conquests, they win a peoples hearts rather than to kill them.

One could differ with me but with reasons.

Thanks

 

[Valke2]

Hello Valke,

I am quiet familiar with the classical arguments why the Jews do not accept Yeshua not to be Moshiach (universal peace, universal knowledge of God, rebuilding of the temple, resurrection of the dead, ingathering of the exiles). But can you help me understand one thing? In the beginning of the second century (I believe around 118) Rabbi Akiba (a revered Rabbi by his contemparies as well as modern religious jewry) “appointed” Bar Kokba as messiah. Bar Kokba was killed during the Bar Kokba revolt against Rome and eventually Rabbi Akiba was skinned alive by the romans. Bar Kokba turned out to be a false messiah although he looked a very promising figure. There are certain sections of Chabad that consider Rabbi Menachem Schneerson to be Moshiach.

Can you explain how Rabbi Akiba can “appoint” somebody Moshiach when it is clear that the messianic age had not arrived yet (there was no universal knowledge of G’d as stated in Jer 31:34). How come that a certain group in Chabad thinks Rabbi Schneerson is Moshiach when there is obviously no universal peace and knowledge of God (Isa 11:6-9)?

Hi.

Akiva believed bar Khoba was the moshiach. Big mistake obviously. I don’t think he “appointed him” as there is no method in place to do so. I believe the criteria for the Moshiach has evolved and changed over time. During Akiva’s time, the Jews were in desperate need of a Moshiach and so it was probably easier to believe that he was coming soon. It is possible to believe that Moshiach will usher in the universal knowledge of God etc.),-- as opposed to following it – and not run afoul of what little dogma there is on this topic.

As for Schneerson, I suppose there were those who where in such awe of him that they hold out faith that he’ll be coming back. But even within Chabad, these numbers are not great.

 

[paarsurrey]

To derail the thread a bit, how will Christians know that Jesus is Jesus when he returns?

Hi

Good question, I think like Jews they won’t recognize him . In fact, they have already done so and have not accepted the PromisedMessiah 1835-1908 (which is Second Coming of Jesus) for the same reasons.

Others are free to differ with me but with reasons.

Thanks