Many people, upon hearing that the Redemption is imminent, ask, "What will happen in the Messianic Era?" Because we are talking about an essential change in every aspect of the world's functioning, it is only human nature to wonder about, and even be a little frightened by, the unknown.
Since the Redemption is a totally new reality, it is understandable that people are anxious and apprehensive. First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that Moshiach's coming will bring only good, happiness and abundance to everyone of us. The changes that will take place will only be for the good, for the good of every person.
The simplest and most basic explanation of the Messianic Era is that it will bring the world to its ideal state, a righteous and perfected world in which good, truth and justice rule. It is easy to see that today's world is not normal! But our mind-set is so established that "this is the way it has always been so this is the way it will always be," and we cannot imagine another way.
The world in which we find ourselves today can be likened to a culture in which the people live in total darkness. They create many rules, inventions and customs in order to cope with the darkness and find their way. They have been living this way for so long that they cannot even imagine a world where light exists, the benefits of light, and how much more pleasant their lives would be if they only had light. They also cannot conceive of being able to get around without all of their special inventions. But the instant they would have light, in the blink of an eye they would get rid of all of their encumbrances, realizing that there is no longer a need for them. They would be totally amazed at how they could possibly have existed until now in the utter darkness.
The same is with us. When the Redemption comes, and G-d's goodness and essence is revealed in the world for all to perceive, all problems will disappear. We will see G-dliness and truth with our own eyes. Just as today we hunger for food and thirst for water, in the Messianic Era we will hunger and thirst to learn Torah and fulfill mitzvot. We will not have to fight against evil, for in the post-redemption world there will be no room for evil.
