The Messianic Period: Something I Was Not Yet Prepared to Consider

Today I attended the last class in a series on the Haggadah.  This educational series was one of what I hope to be several more learning opportunities that were started by our synagogue in honor of our Rabbi's 30th Anniversary.  The classes included the history of the Haggadah and its components and because Passover was the one holiday that I previously had a solid understanding of both the history and the traditions surrounding the holiday; I was able to reach a higher level of understanding of the traditions, the meaning and the aspects of the Haggadah and of Passover.  That was until today.

Today we discussed Elijah and his role as a forerunner for the Messiah.   I knew that much of the discussion would be over my head.  I still need to learn about the prophets and about the historical events of their times.  At some point, I hope to better understand who Elijah was and his role, both past and future, in the history of the Jewish people.  Today's class was a great place to start on that part of my education and I was eager to hear and absorb as much as I could.  However, I was not prepared to have my thoughts (and questions) expand to the Messianic Period.

I have a basic understanding of what the Messiah will bring and that Jewish people believe that the Messiah is still to come.  I know some religions believe the Messiah has already been here and that other religions believe that the Messiah has yet to come.  But beyond those basic generalities, I really know nothing about what different people feel the Messianic Period will bring.  To be honest, I really wasn't sure that people really believe it will ever actually occur.   I had assumed the Jewish religion teaches belief in the Messiah to encourage us to live respectable, honorable lives.  Up until this point in my life, religious beliefs were very abstract and without historical knowledge I have been unable to put them in perspective.  I guess that is really what I am trying to accomplish with this journey I am on. 

While we briefly talked about the opinions on what the Messianic Period would be like and different opinions on what it will take for it to occur;  I began to realize that for every movement, faction or sector of our religion alone, there must be multiple views on topics such as the Messianic Period.  It would be so interesting to me to learn the differences in thoughts by the various Jewish groups in the different Judiac movements.   I have come to realize that my assumptions on the "Jewish view" is meaningless.  Although most Jewish religious beliefs are universally held, I imagine there are multiple views on each of these issues and, I think, that's what makes Judaism so special.  

As I continue to attend classes, I see how different religious individuals have different opinions even on the lessons of the Torah.  I had always thought that religious people accepted and believed personally without questioning but I am learning that is not the case.   I imagine that even among Rabbis within a movement, there must be personal difference in what they believe.  I realized today that as I continue in my learning, I need to recognize which aspects of our religion are believed without question, which are believed based on known history and which may be controversial.   I see now that  without knowledge, my beliefs (or doubts) were without merit.  Coming from a background in medicine and science, it as always been difficult for me to accept things that are simply assumed; but I see the more I learn about our historical past, the more I will understand and hopefully accept the Jewish religious beliefs. 

I left the class today overwhelmed with the feeling that there are so many levels of understanding that I need to conquer.  I left questioning what I had previously thought about the Messiah and the Messianic Period.   I see now that my own personal beliefs will have to wait until I become more educated.  I understand that I need to let go of any assumptions I may have previously had and learn "big picture" before deciding what I believe on specific topics.   I need to eventually find the balance in what I am learning and what beliefs are commonly held.  As I progress with my education,  I will continue to explore accepted Jewish beliefs, historical backgrounds and even the personal beliefs of the religious people that I have met and respect.  I think I will start with asking my Rabbi his thoughts on the Messianic Period and if he personally believes it will ever occur.