Ed Diener was a noted psychologist and professor. His research focused heavily on well-being and happiness, earning himself the nick-name “Dr. Happiness.” In his book Happiness he writes: “It is good for your happiness to have money, but toxic to your happiness to want money too much.” He may have been unaware, but this idea was prophesied more than two and a half thousand years before he began his research.
The book of Yeshaya is full of prophecies on the coming of Moshiach. In chapter 60, verses 9 and 17 describe the promise of the wealth and abundance in those days:
Behold, the coastlands await me, with ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, and their silver and gold as well—in the name of Hashem your G-d, for the Holy One of Israel, Who has glorified you.
Instead of copper I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, copper; and instead of stone, iron. And I will appoint peace as your government, justice as your officials.
Fear of the Unknown
The exile of the Jewish people has been defined by the cycle of their ever-changing fortunes and the temporary reprieve of each new safe harbor. With remarkable resilience, the Jewish people have prospered despite enduring persecution and suffering throughout exile—and the greater the physical constraints and abject poverty, the greater the yearning for the ever-elusive Redemption that would herald freedom from oppression, long, healthy lives, and peace of mind.
Today, however, Jews build business empires without sanction and thrive in communities with great religious freedoms. This new generation presents its own unique challenge: The relative peace of the current era can breed complacency, even cause people to be fearful of the changes that will arrive with Moshiach’s coming. Will they be expected to pick themselves up and abandon their comfortable lifestyles?
Yeshaya's prophecy dismisses this worry: “Their silver and gold will be brought with them.” In the era of Moshiach, the prophet continues, wealth will not only be preserved but enhanced. Those who have struggled will prosper. As the verse states: “Instead of copper, I will bring gold.” Financial worries will be a thing of the past.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it helps, the money guys say. But the transition from exile to redemption will be marked by a great spiritual transformation, beyond financial stability and great wealth. What is the essential quality that is the deeper meaning, the higher difference between a “now” and “then” that is measured by how much money one has in the bank?
Rambam on the Era of Moshiach
In his Mishneh Torah, Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 1138-1204, a Sephardic scholar and world-renowned philosopher also called Maimonides) organizes and codifies all Jewish law with clear and concise language. He concludes the entire work with the laws of Moshiach. The final law is as follows:
In that era of Moshiach, there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor competition, for good will flow in abundance and all the delights will be as freely available as dust. The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d.
A Constant Chase
The greatest entrepreneurs, the most intelligent investors, and successful real estate moguls are all looking for their next big deal when they can make a big profit. The hustle for the buck, this thirst for wealth, seems insatiable. The Talmud teaches, "The one who has one hundred wants two hundred.” The wisest thing to do with a million dollars, many will say, is to invest it, put the money to work. But there is so much more to life than an obsession with professions and portfolios.
As important as it is to have financial stability, how many who achieve this can turn around and focus on goals that ensure quality of life—studying, spending time with family, and contributing to society?
Shifting Focus
This is the true change that will mark the advent of Moshiach. Wealth won’t just be in our wallets; there will be a fundamental shift in mindset. First, with an abundance of available luxuries, people will lose their propensity to chase it. More importantly, however, is how the major pursuits of society will realign with what truly matters. Rambam expresses this by referring to the delights of the future as dust. Not only will they be plentiful, their value will likewise decrease.
Free of financial worry, human psychology will also undergo transformation. The mind will be free to pursue higher goals, such as seeking knowledge of G-d. This will ultimately cultivate a great and global spiritual awareness. In Rambam’s words: “The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d.”
With Moshiach's arrival, we will not merely have wealth, we will be wealthy. The drive to “make the next dollar” will be gone.
With the advent of Moshiach, wealth won’t just be in our wallets; there will be a fundamental shift in mindset.
About the Prophet Yeshaya
The prophet Yeshaya lived during the time of the end of the first Temple era (8th century BCE). Coming on the heels of earlier prophecies of exile and suffering, he is famous for his message of hope, salvation, and the promise of Moshiach. Many of his promises are included in prayers and liturgy Jews recite throughout the year. Yeshaya was sadly executed by King Menasheh under libelous charges of heresy. His prophecies were written and compiled by King Chizkiyah’s scribes.
Start Living with a Moshiach Outlook Now
Transform your workspace and workday from the grind, and think about how to live higher or imbue your work with a focus on the values of family, community and personal growth. Or set up a Torah study session at the office.
You can make your real life leak into work rather than having your work leak into life. Set up a Torah study session in the office, bring a Tzedaka box and eat a Kosher lunch.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
- Masechet Sanhederin Daf 110a
- Be'er Sheva on Sanhedrin 110a
- Rambam's introduction to Perek Chelek
- Sicha of Acharei Mot - Kedoshim 5751
Dedicated by Yossi and Yael Michelashvili In memory of his father R.Avraham ben R. Eliyahu 25 Elul, 5780
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