And guess what? It's not always what you'd expect.
The Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms, offers a particularly intriguing take. It suggests that the foundation of the world isn't just some abstract concept, but is deeply connected to holy mountains: Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Torah, and Mount Moriah, the site of the Binding of Isaac (Akeidah) and later, the Temple in Jerusalem. These aren’t just geographical locations; they’re symbols of ultimate holiness.
Rabbi Pinchas, quoting Rabbi Reuven, paints a breathtaking picture. They say that God will bring Jerusalem – the ultimate earthly city, the heart of Jewish longing – to the forefront. And where will He place it? Not just anywhere, but on these very mountains: Sinai, Tavor, and Carmel. Imagine that! Jerusalem, radiating holiness, encompassing these peaks.
This vision draws directly from the prophet Isaiah (2:2): "And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the top of the mountains." It's a powerful image of elevation, of bringing the divine presence to the highest point.
But it doesn’t stop there. Rabbi Chanina adds another layer to this vision. He says that this time, this future, will be filled with singing. The people will sing and make music after Him, as the verse continues, "and all nations shall flow unto it."
Now, here’s a beautiful little detail. The word "flow" (naharu) in Hebrew, can also be understood as "sing." As we find in 1 Chronicles 15:22, "And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song." So, not only will nations stream towards this elevated Jerusalem, but their very movement will be a song, a symphony of devotion.
What are we to make of all this? It's more than just a literal prediction. It speaks to a deeper truth about the nature of reality. The foundations of our world, both physical and spiritual, are intimately linked to holiness, to revelation, and ultimately, to the joyful expression of our connection to the Divine. It’s a reminder that even when things feel unstable, there is always a solid ground of faith and a song waiting to be sung.