Perfection

“I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah…” Maimonides 13 Principles of Faith

Belief in the eventual coming of the Messiah and perfection of the world under his reign is a basic and fundamental part of traditional Judaism. The concept is not mentioned explicitly in the Torah (Five Books of Moses), but many hints are given through exegetical teaching of several passages. The Hebrew term “Moshiach” literally means the “anointed one” and specifically refers to the ancient practice of anointing kings with oil when they were coronated. Hence, the Moshiach is one who will be anointed as King at the appropriate time determined by God.

Recently there have been Christians encouraging intermarried couples to join "Messianic Synagogues" as a "perfect" common ground for their religious beliefs. In effect, they are advocating that the Jewish partner convert to Christianity and to accept Jesus as a personal savior. It is hardly a perfect solution: For the Jewish partner this is nothing short of abandonment of his or her faith. It is important to understand why.

There are several reasons why Judaism rejects the notion that Jesus was the messiah. However, the main objection to his "messiahship” is that he simply did not qualify. In order to be considered a “candidate” for moshiach a number of scriptural prophecies must be fulfilled by him, and such an individual must demonstrate a wide range of unparalleled attributes. Additionally, a radical transformation in the human condition must take place for that time to be deemed auspicious for advent of the messiah.