Community Magazine November 2009

26 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The Perfect World Our sages teach that in the beginning of creation, until Adam and Hava committed the sin of eating from the forbidden tree, the world was a far more perfect place than it is now. Firstly, Man was originally created to live in the idyllic conditions of the magnificent Garden of Eden, and was destined to live forever. At that time, the human being’s sole desire was goodness, and had no inclination to do evil. Animals, too, ate only plants and vegetation, and felt no instinct to prey on each other. It was intended that all mankind would maintain the highest possible level of prophecy, capable of conversing with Hashem freely, without restriction. Women gave birth on the same day they conceived, and did not have to endure the discomfort of pregnancy and labor. (In fact, Hava gave birth to Kayin and Hevel on the day she was created.) Similarly, trees and plants bore their fruits the day they were planted. This all changed, of course, after Adam and Hava sinned. However, our sages tell us that in the Messianic Era, the world will return to its originally intended state of perfection. Man will no longer be inclined to do evil, and will instead be driven only toward righteousness and devotion to Hashem. Death will be eliminated from the earth, and the Yehudim will be elevated to such a high spiritual level that everyone – men, women and children – will receive prophecies from Hashem. (Different views exist as to whether death will be completely eliminated, or only among the righteous.) According to many opinions, the animal kingdom will also return to its primordial state, at least in the land of Israel, and animals will no longer prey on one another. (Others maintain that the state of animals will not change in the Messianic Era.) Women will bear children on the day they conceive, and trees and plants will bear their fruits the day they are planted. All Yehudim will have all their needs cared for, and they will lack nothing. They will all immerse themselves exclusively in Torah study and the fulfillment of all the missvot . The world will thus return to its primordial state of perfection, and Hashem’s original intended purpose in the world’s creation will finally be realized. The Land of Israel after Mashiah Our sages describe the unparalleled splendor and glory that the land of Israel and its capital city, Jerusalem, will achieve after the coming of Mashiah. No foreign houses of worship will remain, and the entire land will be purified. The city of Jerusalem will be magnificently rebuilt, with huge diamonds and precious stones scattered throughout the city and freely available to all. According to one Midrash, the city will be surrounded with three massive walls of silver, gold and precious stones with an additional wall of fire surrounding them. Mashiah, who will be a powerful king from the royal house of David, will reside in Jerusalem and rule over the entire world, making Jerusalem the capital and center of the earth. The land of Israel will encompass an area more than double the size of the present State of Israel; and according to the Midrash, it will actually expand immeasurably. Rebuilding the Bet Hamikdash The arrival of Mashiah will also bring the long-awaited reconstruction of the Bet Hamikdash , which was destroyed nearly Brooklyn: 4617 18th Ave, 718.853.5021 Long Island: 392 Central Ave, 516.569.7468 Great Selection of Flats Now Carrying Memoi Hosiery Boots ...Keep Warm...or Follow The Trend...Boots Are IN ! See Our Great Sale Section!