When He Comes  

Mashiach has a PR problem.

Or so it seems. Do these three categories resonate with you?

1. People who suffer from Mashiachphobia. Last year I gave my Mashiach class in an out-of-town Bais Yaakov and a mother called to thank me. Her daughter had been in therapy (I’m serious!) for fear that Mashiach might come. After hearing my class, she came home and announced that she can finally look forward to Mashiach.

That story is admittedly extreme, but how many erliche young ladies have been traumatized by irresponsible teachers, who sternly declare, “Mashiach will not come for the likes of you”? It’s shocking that there are still teachers who believe that by frightening their students, they’ll change them for the better. Making Mashiach scary is unforgivable.

Sadly, many suffer from Mashiachphobia in silence. Life has enough anxiety as it is. They crave stability. Somehow it has seeped into their subconscious that Mashiach equals chaos. He will precipitate a change in world order, apocalyptic wars, and upheaval.

And if he has to come, can he at least wait until I graduate? Preferably a little longer so I can settle down and find a job?