The twelfth foundation of the Jewish faith may be the best-known, having been captured in song in a wide array of melodies. It is the principle that there is a Moshiach (Messiah) on the way, promised by God to redeem us from our exile. The Moshiach will be a righteous king of the Davidic dynasty, who will rule over a re-united Jewish kingdom. It’s easy to find overt Messianic references throughout the books of the Prophets, but there are also references throughout the Torah, if you don’t gloss over them. For example, the pagan seer Balaam said, “I see him, but not now; I will look upon him, but not soon” (Numbers 24:17). See also Jacob’s blessing to Judah in Genesis chapter 49, God’s promise of redemption in Deuteronomy chapter 30, and elsewhere.
In the Ani Maamins, this foundation is phrased, “I believe wholeheartedly in the coming of the Moshiach. Though he may delay, I will await his arrival daily.”
In Yigdal, this foundation is the line that reads ”Yishlach l'keitz yamin m'shicheinu, lifdos m'chakei keitz y'shuaso” – “At the ‘end of days,’ He will send our Messiah, to redeem those who long for His ultimate salvation.”
By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz
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