Q&A: The Beginning of Redemption
The Beginning of Redemption
Question
Hello Rabbi, in the Rabbi's opinion, are we in the beginning of redemption? Does such a determination have any meaning at all?
Answer
Unfortunately I missed this.
I have no idea, and I think nobody does—both on the level of understanding reality and on the level of defining the concept itself (when is it the footsteps of the Messiah, and when is it the beginning of redemption).
But the question also isn't important. What practical difference does it make whether this is the beginning of redemption or not? One can fully identify with the State completely even without it being part of the redemptive process, and one can also not identify with it even if it is part of that process. Our attitude toward the State should be built on considerations of realpolitik and understanding reality in light of our values, with no connection to metaphysics.
See, for example, my article here:
Discussion on Answer
I don't really believe in relying on those signs, for several reasons: 1. Who says the Sages could know the signs in advance? This is probably their interpretation of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), but there are many interpretations. 2. The determination that they are being fulfilled is not unequivocal, since verses from the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the aggadic literature of the Sages are open to different interpretations (various false messiahs in the past also brought signs in support of their views. Even Christians do this). 3. How do we know how many of the signs need to be fulfilled in order for us to determine what stage of redemption we are in? 4. The fulfillment of the signs does not necessarily tell us what stage of redemption we are in, but at most that we are on the way there.
Thank you for the answer.
As for understanding reality and determining whether we are in the beginning of redemption, what about the signs mentioned in the Talmud ("there is no more revealed end than this," etc.)? Seemingly, the signs are being fulfilled, no?