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'''Melech HaMashiach''' is the King of Israel who will reign over Israel in the end of days and fulfill the prophecies of the prophets regarding the true and complete Geulah. Melech HaMashiach is a descendant of King David's family, who is worthy in his qualities, wisdom, and righteousness to fulfill the role of Moshaich. When he is chosen by Hashem to be the Moshaich, the soul of Moshaich will be revealed within him, he will reign over Israel, he will compel them to observe Torah and mitzvos, he will fight for the fulfillment of the Creator's will in the world and will rule over all inhabitants of the world, he will build the Third Beis HaMikdash, he will gather the Jews from all over the world to bring them to Eretz Yisroel, he will rectify the world for Divine revelations and will bring all the world's inhabitants to know Hashem in the broadest and deepest manner. | '''Melech HaMashiach''' is the King of Israel who will reign over Israel in the end of days and fulfill the prophecies of the prophets regarding the true and complete [[Geulah - Redemption|Geulah]]. Melech HaMashiach is a descendant of [[King David|King David's]] family, who is worthy in his qualities, wisdom, and righteousness to fulfill the role of Moshaich. When he is chosen by [[Hashem]] to be the Moshaich, the soul of Moshaich will be revealed within him, he will reign over Israel, he will compel them to observe [[Torah]] and [[Mitzvh|mitzvos]], he will fight for the fulfillment of the Creator's will in the world and will rule over all inhabitants of the world, he will build [[The Third Temple|the Third Beis HaMikdash]], he will gather the Jews from all over the world to bring them to [[Eretz Yisroel]], he will rectify the world for Divine revelations and will bring all the world's inhabitants to know Hashem in the broadest and deepest manner. | ||
The belief in the coming of Melech HaMashiach is a fundamental belief in Torah; many prophecies were spoken about him. Throughout the generations, the Jewish people have yearned for his coming, and Chazal established several prayers regarding his arrival. Melech HaMashiach is the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and he will reveal himself and redeem Israel in the future. In the summer of 5751 (1991), a psak din was written and signed by rabbis and halachic authorities determining that the Rebbe fits the definitions of Moshaich. Over the years, the number of rabbis who have signed this document has grown to more than three hundred. | The belief in the coming of Melech HaMashiach is a fundamental belief in Torah; many prophecies were spoken about him. Throughout the generations, the Jewish people have yearned for his coming, and Chazal established several prayers regarding his arrival. Melech HaMashiach is [[the Lubavitcher Rebbe]], and he will reveal himself and redeem Israel in the future. In the summer of 5751 (1991), a psak din was written and signed by rabbis and [[Halacha|halachic]] authorities determining that the Rebbe fits the definitions of Moshaich. Over the years, the number of rabbis who have signed this document has grown to more than three hundred. | ||
== Melech HaMoshiach in Sources == | == Melech HaMoshiach in Sources == | ||
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==== In the Torah ==== | ==== In the Torah ==== | ||
The Torah testifies that in the future, Hashem will redeem and gather the Jewish people from exile and return them to their land:<blockquote>"Then Hashem your G-d will bring back your captivity and have mercy upon you, and He will return and gather you from all the nations where Hashem your G-d has scattered you. If your dispersed ones are at the ends of the heavens, from there Hashem your G-d will gather you, and from there He will take you. And Hashem your G-d will bring you to the land that your forefathers possessed, and you will possess it; and He will do good to you and make you more numerous than your forefathers." — Devarim 30:3-5</blockquote>The simple meaning of this verse doesn't specifically indicate that this redemption will be accomplished through Moshiach. However, in Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy in Parshas Balaam, he prophesied that in the future, a king will arise who will lead the Jewish people and rule over all nations:<blockquote>"I shall see him, but not now, I shall look at him, but it is not near. A star has gone forth from Yaakov, and a staff will arise from Israel, and he will smite the corners of Moab and undermine all the children of Shes. And Edom shall be a possession, and Seir shall be the possession of his enemies, and Israel shall do valiantly." — Bamidbar 24:17-18</blockquote>Our Sages interpreted this verse as referring to two meshichim (anointed ones) who will stand for the Jewish people: King David and King Moshiach, with the first part of each phrase prophesying about King David and the second part about King Moshiach. Some commentators interpret the entire verse as a prophecy about King Moshiach. However, others interpret it as entirely about King David. Rashi also interprets these verses about King David, but according to him, the later verse "And one from Yaakov shall rule, and destroy the remnant from the city" is a prophecy about King Moshiach. Some interpret this verse as a prophecy about the future redemption in general, rather than about the personality of King Moshiach. | The Torah testifies that in the future, Hashem will redeem and gather the Jewish people from exile and return them to their land:<blockquote>"Then Hashem your G-d will bring back your captivity and have mercy upon you, and He will return and gather you from all the nations where Hashem your G-d has scattered you. If your dispersed ones are at the ends of the heavens, from there Hashem your G-d will gather you, and from there He will take you. And Hashem your G-d will bring you to the land that your forefathers possessed, and you will possess it; and He will do good to you and make you more numerous than your forefathers." — Devarim 30:3-5</blockquote>The simple meaning of this verse doesn't specifically indicate that this redemption will be accomplished through Moshiach<ref>See Likkutei Sichos Volume 18, page 272, footnote 16, which states that in the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam (Laws of Kings, Chapter 11, Halacha 1), it is implied that from this verse we also learn this particular detail. And see Likkutei Sichos Volume 34, page 114.</ref>. However, in Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy in Parshas Balaam<ref>See Likkutei Sichos Volume 18, page 274 in the footnote.</ref>, he prophesied that in the future, a king will arise who will lead the Jewish people and rule over all nations:<blockquote>"I shall see him, but not now, I shall look at him, but it is not near. A star has gone forth from Yaakov, and a staff will arise from Israel, and he will smite the corners of Moab and undermine all the children of Shes. And Edom shall be a possession, and Seir shall be the possession of his enemies, and Israel shall do valiantly." — Bamidbar 24:17-18</blockquote>Our Sages interpreted<ref>See the commentary of Rabbeinu Bachya on the verse, who quotes this in the name of the Midrash. Similarly, the Ramban wrote in Sefer HaGeulah, Gate 1, in the name of our Sages. And see Midrash Aggadah on this verse.</ref> this verse as referring to two meshichim (anointed ones) who will stand for the Jewish people: King David and King Moshiach, with the first part of each phrase prophesying about King David and the second part about King Moshiach<ref>"See Tanchuma Yashan 6. And see Jerusalem Talmud Taanit 4:5. And see Devarim Rabbah 1:17."</ref>. Some commentators interpret the entire verse as a prophecy about King Moshiach. However, others interpret it as entirely about King David. Rashi also interprets these verses about King David, but according to him, the later verse "And one from Yaakov shall rule, and destroy the remnant from the city" is a prophecy about King Moshiach. Some interpret this verse as a prophecy about the future redemption in general, rather than about the personality of King Moshiach. | ||
From this verse, the Rambam concluded in his halachic work Mishneh Torah that one who denies the personality of King Moshiach (despite believing in redemption in general) disputes the words of the Torah and the prophecy of Moshe Rabbeinu and is considered a heretic and an apikores. (However, he also added proof from the verse "Then Hashem your G-d will return your captivity," because the promise of redemption is explicit there, unlike the prophecy in Parshas Balaam which was written in a hint and is expounded in the Oral Torah.) | From this verse, the Rambam concluded in his halachic work Mishneh Torah that one who denies the personality of King Moshiach (despite believing in redemption in general) disputes the words of the Torah and the prophecy of Moshe Rabbeinu and is considered a heretic and an apikores. (However, he also added proof from the verse "Then Hashem your G-d will return your captivity," because the promise of redemption is explicit there, unlike the prophecy in Parshas Balaam which was written in a hint and is expounded in the Oral Torah.) | ||
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==== "King" Moshiach ==== | ==== "King" Moshiach ==== | ||
''Expanded topic - The Kingship of the King Messiah'' | ''Expanded topic - [[The Kingship of the King Messiah]]'' | ||
From the verses of the Torah and the prophecies of the prophets, we learn that the Messiah will be a king. His kingship is the essence of his existence (to the point that the very existence of Messiah is the exaltation of his kingship and not merely a quality or title that he bears) because according to halacha, the meaning of the coming of Messiah is not only a good destiny, but a time when the eternity of the Torah and its complete fulfillment will be actualized through the restoration of kingship to Israel. His kingship will be at the height of perfection in all areas. | From the verses of the Torah and the prophecies of the prophets, we learn that the Messiah will be a king. His kingship is the essence of his existence (to the point that the very existence of Messiah is the exaltation of his kingship and not merely a quality or title that he bears) because according to halacha, the meaning of the coming of Messiah is not only a good destiny, but a time when the eternity of the Torah and its complete fulfillment will be actualized through the restoration of kingship to Israel. His kingship will be at the height of perfection in all areas. | ||
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==== Builder of the Temple ==== | ==== Builder of the Temple ==== | ||
''Expanded topic - The Third Temple'' | ''Expanded topic - [[The Third Temple]]'' | ||
Regarding the building of the Third Temple, there are differing midrashim of our Sages. In various places it is said that it will descend already built from heaven. In other places it is written that it will be built by the Jewish people. The Rambam rules that part of the Messiah's actions (which is also part of the identifying details of who is the Messiah) is building the Temple. | Regarding the building of the Third Temple, there are differing midrashim of our Sages. In various places it is said that it will descend already built from heaven. In other places it is written that it will be built by the Jewish people. The Rambam rules that part of the Messiah's actions (which is also part of the identifying details of who is the Messiah) is building the Temple. | ||
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==== Gathering the Dispersed of Israel ==== | ==== Gathering the Dispersed of Israel ==== | ||
''Expanded topic - Ingathering of the Exiles'' | ''Expanded topic - [[Ingathering of the Exiles]]'' | ||
The King Messiah will return all the Jewish people from the ends of the earth to their land. Because of this function he is called a "star". This action will specifically take place after the building of the Temple. | The King Messiah will return all the Jewish people from the ends of the earth to their land. Because of this function he is called a "star". This action will specifically take place after the building of the Temple. | ||
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==== "Rabbi" - Teacher of Torah ==== | ==== "Rabbi" - Teacher of Torah ==== | ||
''Expanded topic - | ''Expanded topic - [[Moshiach's Torah - Torosoh Shel Moshiach]]'' | ||
In addition to being a "king," the Messiah will also be a rabbi who will teach Torah to all the Jewish people, as the Rambam states: | In addition to being a "king," the Messiah will also be a rabbi who will teach Torah to all the Jewish people, as the Rambam states: | ||
"That king who will arise from the seed of David will be wiser than Solomon. And he will be a great prophet, close to the level of Moses our teacher. Therefore, he will teach all the people and instruct them in the way of God. And all the nations will come to hear him." | "That king who will arise from the seed of [[King David|David]] will be wiser than Solomon. And he will be a great prophet, close to the level of Moses our teacher. Therefore, he will teach all the people and instruct them in the way of God. And all the nations will come to hear him." | ||
Through Messiah, the root of the Torah will be revealed as it is above the root of Atzilus - Chochmah Stimaah, which is the inner secrets, mysteries, and reasons of the Torah. Messiah, who will reveal the Torah as it is in its root in the Essence of the Creator, will reveal it in a manner of sight, as the verse states: "Your eyes shall see your teacher," and in this he will reveal the essence of the Torah that will be revealed to all Israel equally. This is why one of the prophecies is that "they shall not teach each man his neighbor... for they shall all know Me" (and this aspect is also related to Messiah being a "king" because his teaching of the people is not through knowledge and comprehension but through sight, "in the light of the king's countenance"). Through teaching in this manner, he will be able to teach all of Israel. | Through Messiah, the root of the Torah will be revealed as it is above the root of Atzilus - Chochmah Stimaah, which is the inner secrets, mysteries, and reasons of the Torah. Messiah, who will reveal the Torah as it is in its root in the Essence of the Creator, will reveal it in a manner of sight, as the verse states: "Your eyes shall see your teacher," and in this he will reveal the essence of the Torah that will be revealed to all Israel equally. This is why one of the prophecies is that "they shall not teach each man his neighbor... for they shall all know Me" (and this aspect is also related to Messiah being a "king" because his teaching of the people is not through knowledge and comprehension but through sight, "in the light of the king's countenance"). Through teaching in this manner, he will be able to teach all of Israel. | ||
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This revelation will come through the King Messiah because the root of Messiah's soul is from the inner dimension of Atik Yomin, from the Essence of the Creator. However, along with this, while he will bestow knowledge and Torah upon the Jewish people, he himself will be elevated above them because "to him personally much more will be revealed without end or limit than what he will be able to reveal to the people," and because of this, he will be king over them and exalted above them. | This revelation will come through the King Messiah because the root of Messiah's soul is from the inner dimension of Atik Yomin, from the Essence of the Creator. However, along with this, while he will bestow knowledge and Torah upon the Jewish people, he himself will be elevated above them because "to him personally much more will be revealed without end or limit than what he will be able to reveal to the people," and because of this, he will be king over them and exalted above them. | ||
For this role and function, Messiah is described as "nasi" (prince/leader) and by the title "rabbi" and is even called "shepherd." For this reason, his leadership is attributed to King David because specifically in King David did kingship shine in an internal manner. | For this role and function, Messiah is described as "[[nasi]]" (prince/leader) and by the title "rabbi" and is even called "shepherd." For this reason, his leadership is attributed to King David because specifically in King David did kingship shine in an internal manner. | ||
However, this function is not his main purpose. His main aspect is being a "king," and nevertheless, after he completes his role as king "to break the arm of the wicked" and "to repair the world," his main activity will be teaching Torah to all the people, and then his main purpose will be to teach Torah to all the people. | However, this function is not his main purpose. His main aspect is being a "king," and nevertheless, after he completes his role as king "to break the arm of the wicked" and "to repair the world," his main activity will be teaching Torah to all the people, and then his main purpose will be to teach Torah to all the people. | ||
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==== Moshiach During the Exile ==== | ==== Moshiach During the Exile ==== | ||
''Extended article - Moshiach of Each Generation'' | ''Extended article - [[Moshiach of Each Generation]]'' | ||
Moshiach is a person born of a woman who exists in the time and place of exile and suffers from the exile. When the time comes, he reveals himself to the Jewish people, reigns over them, and redeems them (as explained below). The Gemara describes that already on the 9th of Av during the destruction of the Holy Temple, the first righteous person with messianic potential was born (his conception began on the date when the siege of Jerusalem started, the 10th of Tevet). This "birth" refers to the state where Moshiach is ready to be revealed and redeem the Jewish people. | Moshiach is a person born of a woman who exists in the time and place of exile and suffers from the exile. When the time comes, he reveals himself to the Jewish people, reigns over them, and redeems them (as explained below). The Gemara describes that already on the 9th of Av during the destruction of the Holy Temple, the first righteous person with messianic potential was born (his conception began on the date when the siege of Jerusalem started, the 10th of Tevet). This "birth" refers to the state where Moshiach is ready to be revealed and redeem the Jewish people. | ||
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==== His Revelation ==== | ==== His Revelation ==== | ||
''Extended articles - | ''Extended articles - [[Publicizing Redemption and Moshiach]], [[Moshiach Vadai|Definite Moshiach]]'' | ||
The Rambam in his rulings describes the manner of Moshiach's revelation and his identification by the people. According to his description, there will be two stages in his appearance: Initially, there will be preliminary signs of his kingship, his compatibility with the basic requirements needed from him at this stage makes him "presumed to be Moshiach." However, in this state he is not yet 'Moshiach' because these actions are actions of all kings of Israel. Only afterward, with the completion of Moshiach's tasks, will it become clear that he is "definitely Moshiach" who has redeemed Israel. | The Rambam in his rulings describes the manner of Moshiach's revelation and his identification by the people. According to his description, there will be two stages in his appearance: Initially, there will be preliminary signs of his kingship, his compatibility with the basic requirements needed from him at this stage makes him "presumed to be Moshiach." However, in this state he is not yet 'Moshiach' because these actions are actions of all kings of Israel. Only afterward, with the completion of Moshiach's tasks, will it become clear that he is "definitely Moshiach" who has redeemed Israel. | ||
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== Eternal life == | == Eternal life == | ||
''Extended article - Eternal life of King Moshiach'' | ''Extended article - [[Eternal life of King Moshiach]]'' | ||
King Moshiach has eternal life. The Ramban writes that he will live "forever," "will never die," and even "will not taste death," because "The Holy One, blessed be He, gives him a cup of the elixir of life." | King Moshiach has eternal life. The Ramban writes that he will live "forever," "will never die," and even "will not taste death," because "The Holy One, blessed be He, gives him a cup of the elixir of life." | ||
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== Faith in Moshiach == | == Faith in Moshiach == | ||
''Extended article - Faith in the coming of Moshiach'' | ''Extended article - [[Faith in the coming of Moshiach]]'' | ||
Faith in the coming of Moshiach (and the complete redemption) is obligatory for every Jew. This faith includes believing that his arrival is possible at any moment and anticipating his coming. The Rambam explains in his commentary on the Mishnayot that in addition to "believing and affirming that he will come," one should also "not think that he will be delayed" - the believer should not make calculations that would distance the time of Moshiach's coming. And since no specific time has been set for his arrival, one must anticipate him at all times. | Faith in the coming of Moshiach (and the complete redemption) is obligatory for every Jew. This faith includes believing that his arrival is possible at any moment and anticipating his coming. The Rambam explains in his commentary on the Mishnayot that in addition to "believing and affirming that he will come," one should also "not think that he will be delayed" - the believer should not make calculations that would distance the time of Moshiach's coming. And since no specific time has been set for his arrival, one must anticipate him at all times. | ||
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== The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach == | == The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach == | ||
''Extended article - The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach'' | ''Extended article - [[The Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach|The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach]]'' | ||
The Lubavitcher Rebbe is King Moshiach about whom the Torah has promised. This determination is based, among other things, on the Rebbe's own holy talks, for example: 'Moshiach is the successor of the Rebbe Rayatz.' 'King Moshiach operates in the world and we see his actions.' 'The Rebbe is the leader of the generation and the prophet of the generation, and the words about redemption that have descended to the world are words of prophecy that he himself prophesied.' Similarly, there are various expressions by the Rebbe about his father-in-law (whose place the Rebbe filled) that in our generation, the one fit to be Moshiach is "the leader of our generation." | The Lubavitcher Rebbe is King Moshiach about whom the Torah has promised. This determination is based, among other things, on the Rebbe's own holy talks, for example: 'Moshiach is the successor of [[the Rebbe Rayatz]].' 'King Moshiach operates in the world and we see his actions.' 'The Rebbe is the leader of the generation and the prophet of the generation, and the words about redemption that have descended to the world are words of prophecy that he himself prophesied.' Similarly, there are various expressions by the Rebbe about his father-in-law (whose place the Rebbe filled) that in our generation, the one fit to be Moshiach is "the leader of our generation." | ||
The Rebbe is defined as King Moshiach who will redeem the Jewish people. The recognition of the Rebbe as King Moshiach was published by Chabad rabbis and others in a halachic ruling based on halachic decisions and on the Rebbe's own references to the subject, when he hinted to his chassidim that he is Moshiach and encouraged them to publicize this in various ways. | The Rebbe is defined as King Moshiach who will redeem the Jewish people. The recognition of the Rebbe as King Moshiach was published by Chabad rabbis and others in a halachic ruling based on halachic decisions and on the Rebbe's own references to the subject, when he hinted to his chassidim that he is Moshiach and encouraged them to publicize this in various ways. | ||
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* [[Geulah - Redemption|Geulah (Redemption)]] | * [[Geulah - Redemption|Geulah (Redemption)]] | ||
* [[The Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach|The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach]] | * [[The Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach|The Lubavitcher Rebbe as King Moshiach]] | ||
* King | * [[King]] | ||
* Anticipation for redemption | * [[Anticipation for redemption]] | ||
* Spark of Moshiach | * [[Nitzutz Mashiach - Spark of Mashiach|Spark of Moshiach]] | ||
* [[Moshiach ben Yosef]] | * [[Moshiach ben Yosef]] | ||
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==== Essays ==== | ==== Essays ==== | ||
* All articles on the topic of Redemption and Moshiach on the Geulah website | * All articles on the topic of Redemption and Moshiach on the Geulah website | ||
* Study / The Role of King Moshiach on the Geulah website | * Study / The Role of King Moshiach on the Geulah website | ||
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* Facts That Will Help You Identify King Moshiach on the Geulah website | * Facts That Will Help You Identify King Moshiach on the Geulah website | ||
* The Honor of King Moshiach on the Geulah website | * The Honor of King Moshiach on the Geulah website | ||
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== References == | |||
[[Category:Moshiach topics]] | |||
[[he:מלך המשיח]] | |||