In the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations was founded on the promise to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. Despite its optimistic beginnings, it has fallen short of these ideals, hindered by political stalemates and ineffective responses to humanitarian crises. Bad actors have manipulated its mandate, reverting the progression of its ideals. From a traditional Jewish perspective, what is the pathway to achieving the elusive goal of global cooperation?
The prophet Yechezkel, chapter 34, verses 27-29, describes the redemption of Moshiach in idyllic terms:
And the tree of the field will give forth its fruit and the land will give forth its produce, and they will know that I am the L-rd when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from those who enslave them. And they will no longer be a prey to the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not devour them, and they will dwell securely, with no one frightening them. And I shall establish for them an orchard that will grant them everlasting renown, and they will no longer be hidden because of the shame of hunger in the land, and they will no longer bear the disgrace of the nations.
Redemption Reimagined
Jews have a complicated relationship with their neighbors. Throughout history, they have lived on edge, never knowing when the next forced conversion or expulsion decree would fall upon them. They could never feel completely secure; at any moment, they were ready to hide or flee.
The Jewish concept of exile is closely linked with persecution, suffering, and atrocities at the hands of oppressive forces. In this context, it's no surprise that a central aspect of the promised redemption is a sense of serenity, security and freedom. The hope that one day the tides would turn sustained the Jewish people through their darkest moments. In the time of redemption, rather than Jews cowering in fear, the forces of evil and hatred will retreat, while the Jews dwell in comfort and dignity.
It’s understandable that a people subject to oppression for so long would envision a time when the subjugation would end and their enemies, defeated. But this conception of redemption seems rather narrow, focused on the fate of the Jewish people alone. What is the broader, more universal message in the concept of redemption that affects all of humanity?
The beginning of the second chapter of the Book of Yeshayah, the prophet who was Yechezkel’s teacher, describes the promise of redemption for the world at large:
And it shall be at the end of the days, that the mountain of the L-rd's house, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem shall be firmly established at the top of the mountains, and though it has been razed at the beginning of this long exile, it shall be raised above the hills, and all the nations shall stream to it. And many peoples shall go, and they shall say, "Come, let us go up to the L-rd's mountain, to the house of the G-d of Jacob, the Jewish people, and let Him teach us of His ways, and we will go in His paths"; For, in the future, out of Zion shall the Torah come forth, and the word of the L-rd from Jerusalem. And he, the king Moshiach, shall judge between the nations and rebuke many peoples, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift the sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
Guide to Peace
World peace is a central theme of the Messianic era, as envisioned by the prophet Yeshayah. His powerful and uplifting words are inscribed on the Isaiah Wall outside the United Nations: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks." It sounds wonderful, but incredible—how realistic is this vision? And what exactly will be the role of Moshiach in achieving this?
Historically, it should have been clear that peace is preferable to war. Yet, as the Abarbanel explains concerning this verse, two primary factors have driven societies into conflict: religious differences and competition over resources. In the era of Moshiach, both of these tensions will dissolve. Nations will embrace a shared understanding of universal truths, ending religious strife, and humanity will enjoy such prosperity that fighting over resources will become obsolete.
The role of Moshiach will be to guide humanity towards the resolution of long-standing conflicts. He will follow the inspirational model of leadership, which relies on influence, vision, and personal example. By embodying the principles that he promotes, humanity will be motivated to work towards a shared goal.
Identifying Trends
The world is witnessing the early stages of Yeshaya’s prophecy coming to fruition. Two centuries ago, wars of conquest were often viewed as noble and justified, but modern societies condemn acts of aggression. People are expected to respect the values and beliefs of other cultures even if they disagree. And increasingly, economic trends favor cooperation rather than warfare.
Not too long ago, war and conflict were barely newsworthy events. Contemporarily, sustained outrage against aggressors and their actions from citizens and governments far from the conflict zone is a luxury of an era when peace and cooperation are the dominant expectation.
Viewing history as a progression toward the Messianic era, the developments of the current era take on deeper significance. Today's culture of peace and activism, even when misdirected, reflects an awakening to the values that will define the times of Moshiach. The Jewish people are increasingly emboldened to defend their land and their values, a stark contrast from a past marked by terror and insecurity.
Far from being distant ideals, these trends are part of the transformation that will soon culminate in the complete fulfillment of Yeshayah's prophecy—a world of peace, prosperity, and unity under the leadership of Moshiach.
The shift from valuing dominance and raw power to embracing cooperation marks the dawn of the era of Moshiach.
Moshiach will follow the inspirational model of leadership, which relies on influence, vision, and personal example.
On each day of the festival of Sukkot
The Torah commands that seventy bulls be offered on the altar in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. These sacrifices honor the seventy nations (the number of Noach’s grandchildren) and represent all people of the world. This service is a symbol of the hope for unity of all humankind who are joined by common G-dly values. On Sukkot, in the Hallel prayer of the holiday, we say, “Praise G-d, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples,” alluding to a time of ultimate faith and peace.
The most effective way to transition into the era of Moshiach
and cultivate unity among all nations is by publicizing the Seven Noahide Laws. These seven universal, nondenominational principles advocate justice, morality, and respect for life. Initiate a discussion or host a lecture on this theme to help to spread this vital message far and wide.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
- Abarbanel, Mashmia Yeshua, on Yeshaya 2:1-4
- Mishneh Torah, Sefer Melachim, Hilchot Melech Hamoshiach, Ch. 12
- Sefer Hasichot, Mishpatim
- Kad Hakemach by Rabbenu Bachya, Purim
Dedicated by Yossi and Yael Michelashvili In memory of his father R.Avraham ben R. Eliyahu 25 Elul, 5780
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