The Rambam[1] writes, “The Sages did not yearn for the Messianic age in order to dominate the world, to rule over the gentiles, to be glorified by the nations or to eat, drink and rejoice. Rather, they yearn to be free to study Torah without pressure or interference…”
Why do our Sages yearn to study Torah? The Maharal[2] says, “…There is no greater honor we can give Hashem than by fulfilling His mitzvos…” As it is stated, “Fortunate is the one who toils in the Torah and who gives pleasure to his Creator.”[3] Furthermore, “The study of Torah brings one to the performance of mitzvos.”[4]
Elsewhere, the Maharal[5] says, “Learning Torah is essential to upholding and fulfilling the mitzvos of our Creator,[6] which brings forth Hashem’s honor…”
Before Moshiach comes, the Gemara[7] advises us, “If a person wants to be saved from the birth-pangs of Moshiach, he should involve himself in Torah and acts of kindness.”[8]
After Moshiach comes, our subjugation to the [gentile] kingdoms will end.[9] Then the state of Israel will not be the so-called ‘Jewish State’ but the ‘Torah State’, which will run according to the Torah’s rules (not a democracy).
The Seifer HaChinuch[10] says that the purpose of our redemption from Egypt was to receive the Torah at Har Sinai. We know that, “The events of the forefathers are signs for [what would happen to] their children.”[11] Similarly, the Chafeitz Chayim[12] says, “…Israel will be worthy of the Geulah only in the merit of having learned Torah in common study groups.”
We must involve ourselves in fulfilling His Torah and doing acts of kindness. In this merit may we merit to live and to see the years of the Messianic times; when the glory of His Kingship will be revealed upon us and before the eyes of all the living.[13] Then “Torah shall go forth from Tzion[14] and on that day, the earth will be filled with knowledge of
[1] Mishnah Torah, Hilchos Malachim 12:4.
[2] Gur Aryeh, Bereishis 1:1 “בשביל ישראל והתורה”.
[3] Berachos 17a.
[4] Kiddushin 40b. Also, Avos (1:17) states, “Study is not primary; performance is.”
[5] Derech Chayim 6:12.
[6] See Chafetz Chaim on the Torah - Volume 1 (Israel Bookshop) Maasai L’Melech, pages 243 – 244.
[7] Sanhedrin 98b.
[8] See Berachos 5a, regarding Torah and acts of kindness. In addition, see Tehillim 18:51 and Sotah 14a.
[9] Berachos 34b.
[10] Shemos 3:12, Mitzvah #306.
[11] Medrash Tanchumah, Lech Lecha 9.
[12] Nidchei Yisrael, chapter 14 “בוא וראה...”
[13] Musaf for Shalosh Regalim.
[14] Michah 4:2. Moshiach will come to redeem the city Tzion and the people of Israel… (Eitz Yosef on Yeshayah 59:20).