It’s a question that’s captivated Jewish hearts and minds for centuries. And believe it or not, there's a legend about a Rabbi who actually got the chance.
This wasn’t just any Rabbi, mind you. This Rabbi was special. He held a unique place in the heart of Elijah the Prophet himself! Elijah, that fiery, immortal figure who roams the earth, intervening in moments of need. He clearly thought this Rabbi was someone worth investing in.
So, Elijah, in his infinite kindness, arranged something extraordinary: an interview between this favored Rabbi and the Messiah.
Now, imagine the scene. The Rabbi, guided by Elijah, finds the Messiah not in a palace, not surrounded by royalty, but among a crowd of afflicted poor gathered near the city gates of Rome. Think about that for a moment. The future king of Israel, the one who will usher in an era of peace and prosperity, is found amongst the most vulnerable. It tells you something about the Messiah’s character, doesn't it?
Approaching him, the Rabbi offers a traditional greeting: "Peace be with thee, my teacher and guide!" A respectful, almost reverent salutation. And the Messiah's response? Equally beautiful: "Peace be with thee, thou son of Levi!"
The Rabbi, overcome with the gravity of the moment, asks the question that burns in every Jewish soul: When will you appear? When will redemption come?
And the Messiah gives an answer that's both simple and profoundly complex: "To-day."
Confused? You're not alone. The Rabbi, understandably puzzled, turns to Elijah for clarification. And Elijah, that wise and knowing prophet, explains. What the Messiah meant by "to-day" wasn't a literal 24-hour period. Instead, it was a statement about readiness. According to this legend, recounted in Ginzberg’s undefined, the Messiah is always ready to bring Israel redemption. Always.
But here's the kicker. The ball, so to speak, is in our court. The Messiah will fulfill his mission, Elijah explains, the instant Israel shows itself worthy. The instant we, as a people, are ready.
Think about the weight of that. The power, and the responsibility. Redemption isn't just a passive event that happens to us. It's something we actively participate in. It hinges on our actions, our choices, our collective worthiness.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What does it mean to be "worthy" of redemption? And are we ready?