[Phinneous]

A fine appeal, Ye Olde Air Force Vet from sometime in the 80s.... (Navy here) RE: Rebbe Moshiach? Chabadnikim know there was a possibility. It's such a tough, tough question. We live a fantasy in a way, wanting Moshiach RIGHT NOW and regardless of who it will be, trying to fulfill every one of G-d's commandments with the Rebbe screaming in our ears to Ker a velt heint! (Turn the world over [for G-d]) http://www.chabad.org/blogs/blog_cdo/aid/984883/jewish/Ker-A-Velt.htm Can you imagine! But in the halacha, which we never disregard, the halacha of Moshiach is clear in Rambam (Maimonedes.) There are two designations that are applicable in halacha for Moshiach. A possibility (presumptive) (B'chezkas) Moshiach, and Vadai (actually) Moshiach. The following are the criteria for identifying the Moshiach, as written by Maimonides: If we see a Jewish leader who (a) toils in the study of Torah and is meticulous about the observance of the mitzvot, (b) influences the Jews to follow the ways of the Torah and (c) wages the "battles of G‑d"—such a person is the "presumptive Moshiach." If the person succeeded in all these endeavors, and then rebuilds the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and facilitates the ingathering of the Jews to the Land of Israel—then we are certain that he is the Moshiach. (from: Rambam Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings and this site: http://www.chabad.org/library/moshiach/article_cdo/aid/1121893/jewish/The-Basics.htm) At this time in Jewish/world history, we have no actual Moshiach. Throughout Jewish history there is a tradition of believing/wanting one's leader to be the Messiah-- does not make it so. We have false messiahs. We have the current state-- a world on the brink with enormous potential to be informed of G-d and His commandments for Jews (613) and gentiles (7.) We all have to have our dilithium crystals that drive us towards the goal. It's so hard to understand an orthodox Jew's motivation-- I know... having as a principle of faith (again, Rambam) that Moshiach is coming today, and having such a history of waking up after it (the Final Redemption) did not yet come. So it's today, the 3rd day of the month of Sivan, 5774 years since creation. BUT-- we never stray from halacha. Moshiach will be a regular person, a frum (religious, G-d-fearing) Jew. See above. Regarding the Christian (or fine, at the time, nascent Christ-centered Jewish) eye-witnesses at the time that you reference, I see it as forgery and adapting a new religion with much less stringent opinions and requirements than say, conversion to Judaism and circumcision would require. Like the theme of the original class I posted, there seem to have been stages and fall-back positions of how to get people to accept Jesus as messiah... until whole-cloth adaptation of pagan customs in order to widen the tent (no analogies to what RINOs want of the GOP...that would totally set the religious Christians on this thread off the handle and get me zotted!) One more time though, it's worth mentioning again-- Moshiach will build the 3rd Temple...this is a Do-not-pass-go, do-not-collect-$200 wicket. Some perceive this whole thread as antagonistic-- maybe a bit. But I've been asked to "open my heart" at night and "truly ask Jesus to give me a sign" (most recently from my house inspector... damn deal fell through!) So open your Christian hearts and listen to an MP4....

[Phinneous]

Sorry— don’t know what happened to my paragraphs there. I guess that makes it even more of a rant...

[af_vet_1981]

I thought you might like these
1. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, is the Author and Guide of everything that has been created, and that he alone has made, does make, and will make all things.
2. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, is a Unity, and that there is no unity in any manner like unto his, and that he alone is our God, who was, is, and will be.
3. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, is not a body, and that he is free from all the accidents of matter, and that he has not any form whatsoever.
4. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, is the first and the last.
5. I believe with perfect faith that to the Creator, blessed be his name, and to him alone, it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being besides him.
6. I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true. li>I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace be unto him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both of those that preceded and of those that followed him.
7. I believe with perfect faith that the whole Law, now in our possession, is the same that was given to Moses our teacher, peace be unto him.
8. I believe with perfect faith that this Law will not be changed, and that there will never be any other law from the Creator, blessed be his name.
9. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, knows every deed of the children of men, and all their thoughts, as it is said, It is he that fashioneth the hearts of them all, that giveth heed to all their deeds.
10. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be his name, rewards those that keep his commandments, and punishes those that transgress them.
11. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and, though he tarry, I will wait daily for his coming.
12. I believe with perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead at the time when it shall please the Creator, blessed be his name, and exalted be the remembrance of him for ever and ever. For thy salvation I hope, O Lord! I hope, O Lord, for thy salvation! O Lord, for thy salvation I hope!

[af_vet_1981]

But I've been asked to "open my heart" at night and "truly ask Jesus to give me a sign" (most recently from my house inspector... damn deal fell through!) So open your Christian hearts and listen to an MP4....

Ein breira