Socio-political-religious movements of the far right in Israel place a central emphasis on the messianic aspect – the belief that, at a predetermined moment in history, a descendant of a king will arise and become the Messiah. Maimonides (Moses ben Maimon, 1138-1204) established this belief as the twelfth of his thirteen principles of faith: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the messiah, and though he may tarry, still I await him every day."
In a similar vein, these socio-political movements also relate to the concept of Atchalta De'Geulah ("the beginning of the redemption") – a term from the Babylonian Talmud that describes the period preceding the ultimate redemption, preparing for the arrival of the Messiah. The fundamental assumption is that redemption will unfold gradually rather than occur instantaneously. This perspective aligns with the Midrash in Kol HaTor (1:15), a text compiled – according to the descendants of Rabbi Hillel Rivlin of Shklov – based on the teachings of his mentor, the Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliijah ben Shlomo Zalman, also known as the Gra). The text reads: "During the period of the footsteps of the Mashiach, the revelations will begin little by little, like the beginning of the redemption which is compared to the dawn according to our Sages."
The process of redemption necessitates several key developments, which these socio-political movements interpret in their unique framework. One widely accepted belief within these movements is that we are living in an era where "the Land of Israel yields its fruit generously." (Ezekiel 36:8: "But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home"; Sanhedrin 98a).
Another essential milestone in the process of redemption is the establishment of Jewish sovereignty over the Land of Israel. The renowned Jewish Amora of the first generation, Shmuel of Nehardea, stated: "There is no difference between this world and the days of the Messiah, excepting only the subjugation of kingdoms" (Maimonides, Sanhedrin 91b).
Additionally, these movements emphasize the necessity of restoring the Jewish people's military strength. The Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Megillah (17b) states: "the war that takes place during the seventh year is also the beginning of the redemption process."
Only after fulfilling these prerequisites – which still present significant challenges – will it be possible to anticipate the realization of further signs that indicate the full completion of redemption. Among these conditions is the Gathering of Exiles, as described by the Sages: "Just as you left Egypt in 600,000 and entered the land in 600 thousand, so too shall the days of the Messiah be marked by 600 thousand" (Yalkut Shimoni, Hosea 1188). Ultimately, redemption will be fully realized with the fulfillment of the prophetic vision: "At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts."
