No community start suggestion yet.
Why is belief in Mashiach essential when the other twelve principles describe present realities? Unlike personal reward in Olam Haba, Mashiach represents the ultimate vindication that Jewish values reflect objective divine truths that will triumph worldwide. Without this future validation, all mitzvos reduce to mere dedication—a quality that can serve evil as easily as good—making Jewish existence meaningless.
This profound shiur examines the twelfth of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith: belief in the coming of Mashiach. Rabbi Zweig begins by citing the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s formulation that we must believe with perfect faith in Mashiach's coming, regardless of delay, and that the Mashiach will emerge from King Dovid's lineage. The Rambam describes the Messianic age as a time when Jews regain independence, return to Israel, and live under a great king in Zion, though the world will remain largely unchanged except for the end of political subjugation. Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question: why do Jews facing the Holocaust sing 'Ani Maamin' about Mashiach's coming? He rejects the superficial understanding that this represents hope for revenge against oppressors, calling such an interpretation 'hollow' and unworthy of great souls facing martyrdom. Instead, he probes deeper into what distinguishes this principle from all others.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Hashkafa
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why must belief in resurrection be a separate principle when we already believe in divine reward and punishment? The fundamental need drives human psychology: we cannot live knowing our potential for perfection is permanently lost through death. Resurrection represents God's chesed that restores hope and prevents the resignation that would otherwise follow from humanity's fallen state.
Why does Megillas Esther interrupt Torah study for a message the world deemed ridiculous—that every man should rule his home? The shiur develops the yesod that the moon's willingness to "make itself small" doesn't diminish it but creates unified sovereignty. A woman who enables her husband to lead isn't relegated to second class—she is the king-maker, comfortable creating oneness where a man cannot.
Does going to doctors contradict relying on Hashem as our healer? The Ramban holds medicine is a concession for those not on high spiritual levels, while the Rambam views medicine as a science—a domain Hashem established. The shiur resolves this by explaining that illness uniquely separates a person from Hashem, making self-cure through teshuvah impossible and necessitating medical intervention.
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Why did the Rambam need to codify thirteen principles of faith when no earlier authority systematically listed fundamental Jewish beliefs? The principles establish the essential perspective that our relationship with God transcends contractual obligation - we inherit a bond of oneness from Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov that makes Torah observance an expression of intimacy rather than mere duty.
