Messiah (influence)

The term Messiah means “anointed one” and was originally used for the high priests and kings of Israel. This establishes the idea that the Messiah will be special and close to God, setting him apart as a divinely guided leader who will fulfil God’s promises.

Hope for the Future and the Messianic Age

Jews believe the Messiah will rule during the future Messianic Age, a time of peace, harmony, and restoration in Israel. This belief encourages Jews to look forward to a time of justice and spiritual renewal, where the dead may be resurrected and humanity will live in moral and social balance.

Orthodox Jewish Influence

Orthodox Jews believe that every generation may have a potential Messiah, descended from King David, who will come if the Jewish people are worthy of redemption. This influences Jews to:

• Obey the Torah, follow the mitzvot, and live ethically.

• Repent and improve themselves, both individually and collectively.

• Some may even move to Israel to live, work, and study in preparation for the Messiah’s arrival.

The belief motivates Orthodox Jews to strive toward moral and spiritual readiness for redemption.

Reform Jewish Influence

Many Reform Jews focus on the Messianic Age rather than a personal Messiah. They believe it will come through collective human action, including:

• Upholding ethical principles and mitzvot.

• Promoting social justice and improving the world.

This encourages Reform Jews to actively contribute to society and pursue Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) as part of their religious duty.

Hope and Comfort in Hardship

Belief in a future Messiah also provides emotional and spiritual support. For Jews facing persecution or suffering, such as during the Holocaust, this hope helped them maintain faith and resilience, even in the most extreme circumstances. Maimonides recorded that some Jews, on their way to death camps, chanted: “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah.”

Summary

Belief in the Messiah influences Jews by providing hope, moral guidance, and a sense of purpose. It motivates Orthodox Jews to obey God’s laws and prepare spiritually, while Reform Jews focus on ethical action and societal improvement. Across all denominations, the belief fosters resilience, faith, and a vision of a restored world guided by justice and God’s will.