Episode 67: Professor Kenneth Seeskin "Messianic Thoughts in an Age of Despair"

The idea of the Messiah is both "Pandora's Box and the Elixir of Life," as Dr. Kenneth Seeskin puts it. Join us as the professor dives into the evolution of the Messianic idea throughout history and presents five distinct approaches of the sages (all of which are deeply rooted in explicit TaNaKh verses) aimed at contending with the dichotomy between the hopeful and dangerous aspects of messianism in Jewish thought. He begins by introducing us to the five categories of understanding the Messiah, from the Torah to the Prophets to the Rabbis. The first approach, which he refers to as "inflation," emphasizes the supernatural and almost impossible nature of the Messianic age. Drawing from fantastical Aggadot, this perspective creates a formidable barrier against false messiahs, wars, and manipulation. The second approach, "Deflation," is the view of Maimonides. This perspective seeks to maximize hope while remaining grounded in the realistic understanding of human limitations and a hope for a utopian society that is built on the pursuit of knowledge but where nature stays the same. Ironically, this model is susceptible to false messianic movements because the required conditions are seemingly within reach. Dr. Seeskin has a unique perspective on the approach of the sages and why they felt the need to downplay rather than eliminate certain notions about the messiah. He shares his personal uneasiness with the reinstitution of animal sacrifice in the Third Temple but acknowledges that any law mentioned in the Torah will not be done away with, whereas we defend that fact that the Temple service would very much be as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. From Bar Kochba to Jesus to Shabbetai Zevi to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the demand for the Redeemer is usually met with disappointment, and the repercussions endure. Yet, at the same time, the concept of the Messiah inspires much-needed dreams about a better future that lies ahead. How must we approach this in an age of despair?