(c) Explain different Jewish beliefs about the Messiah.

Question 1

 Different views depending upon different traditions but also individual
belief. As there are no definite teachings about the Messiah in the Torah,
passages that Jews might think are relevant have to be interpreted.
 The term Messiah arises from Mashiach – meaning anointed. So implying
a special role from God.
 Considered generally as the one who will bring in a new era.
 Some people believe that the new age will include rebuilding the Temple
 Many consider that the Messianic Age will bring in an age of universal
peace.
 Some Jews interpret Isaiah 11:1-9 as referring to a Messiah.  Often believed to be a physical person.  Some believe each Jew has the ability to be a Messiah and bring about
universal peace.  For many Jews the first step to this Messianic Age is the coming of the
Messiah and the resurrection of the dead.
 For some Jews a belief in the Messiah is central to their faith.
Maimonides, a Jewish philosopher from the twelfth century, said that a
belief in the Messiah was one of the 13 Principles of Judaism.
 This view is not shared by Reform Jews who believe that it will be the
good actions of humans that will bring a Messianic Age of peace.
 In Judaism there are two main reasons why there are different views
about the Messiah:
 Many believe that considerations about the Messiah is time wasted as the
world to come is beyond human understanding.
 Many Jews emphasise the present rather than the Messianic age and the
Messiah.
 The focus for most Jews is not on a date that the Messiah may come but
the particular actions that will bring about the Messiah.
 The traditional belief is that the Messiah will be a great political leader and
judge who will bring the world to an end.
 Most Jews believe he will not be a supernatural being but a human who is
descended from King David.
 Many Jews believe that in every generation a person is born with the
potential to be the Messiah.
 In the Tenakh, three actions of the Messiah are referred to:
o He will bring Jews back to Israel and restore Jerusalem.
o He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem which was destroyed in
70CE.
o He will bring about a time of peace when people will live together
without fighting.