Waiting for Mashiach: Finding Faith and Meaning in Everyday Jewish Life

Every morning, or sometimes in the afternoon if there’s no time earlier, I say the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Among them is the line: “I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Mashiach, and even though he may delay, I will wait for him every day that he comes.”

Often it feels automatic, as if I’m simply repeating words without thought. Occasionally I stop to reflect, but usually the pressure to rush through my day makes me miss the beauty of these simple yet lofty words written into our prayers.

And then, flashes of inspiration strike — moments of deep belonging, of powerful faith, and of love for the Creator that brings tears to my eyes. It is then that the principles of faith remind me that no word spoken by a Jew, whether with focus or without, ever goes to waste.

When Inspiration Breaks Through the Routine

That truth etches itself into the soul. It fills in the gaps for all the intention I missed, bringing joy to the heart. This week I felt it again, partly because of the new month of Nisan, which carries with it the bell of redemption, and partly because of the state of our country, reminding us that we have no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven.

I don’t know if everyone feels this the same way, but I call it awe. Every Jewish soul has experienced awe at some point, consciously or unconsciously.

Sometimes I ask myself: in the middle of my ordinary life, what if the announcement came — Mashiach is here! In what situation would I be found? Would I be proud, or ashamed? Too often, I fear I’d be caught mid-anger, gossiping, wasting time, or hurting someone’s feelings. Who among us, apart from the righteous of the generation, can claim to be completely free from these failings?

Imagining the Perfect Moment to Welcome Redemption

So I wonder, what would be the “right” moment to welcome Mashiach? Perhaps while reciting Tehillim, during the Amidah, in personal prayer, reading Shema, studying Torah, or even preparing challah dough. Men might imagine receiving him while putting on tefillin or immersed in Talmud study.

Of course, we can’t spend every moment of our lives in prayer or study. We live in a world that demands everyday tasks including work, trade, and sleep. The thought of Mashiach arriving while I’m asleep used to frighten me! But then I realized, that if we live according to the Torah’s guidance, even our everyday work is a mitzvah. Earning a living honestly is a mitzvah.

Finding Holiness in Daily Life

Every Jewish woman, even in the simplest acts including cleaning her home, raising her children with values, and trying to be a role model, is fulfilling sacred duties filled with sparks of holiness. Even when she stumbles, if she has faith, her children learn that it’s okay to fall, that no one is perfect except God, and that we always have the chance to repair and try again.

Every home-cooked meal carries the intention to give, echoing God’s highest will: to bestow good upon His creations. Every smile a husband gives his wife and children is a mitzvah. Even grocery shopping has spiritual depth — each item purchased carries sparks of holiness for that specific family to elevate.

The Challenge of Thoughts

Beyond actions, we must also consider our thoughts. What thoughts would we want to be caught in when Mashiach comes? Certainly not envy, resentment, anger, or fear. That’s the real challenge.

In a moment of struggle, I found comfort in this idea: striving to think positively is important, and even when it’s hard, God knows our challenges. A short prayer can bring amazing breakthroughs. Even more, when a good thought arises during a mitzvah or even in a simple, kind act, stop for just a moment, lift your eyes, and ask: God, please, let Mashiach come now.

Every Good Deed Tips the Scale

It doesn’t take a long prayer — even a good thought or a kind action can be a request for redemption. Every mitzvah tips the scale in our favor.

I was reminded of this during a family brit milah. The mohel explained that at a circumcision, God forgives the sins of the father, the mohel, the sandek, and even the entire community present. Even those far from Torah who simply think a good thought in that moment are lifted up, as God considers their thought as if it were action.

Turning Everyday Moments into Opportunities

God joins thought with action. If once a day we sincerely think about becoming more modest, kinder, more prayerful, more respectful, or more grateful, then if Mashiach comes in that moment, it is as if we already lived that thought.

Even when cleaning the house we can say: for the sake of peace in the home, for the sake of honoring parents, for the sake of redemption. Writing a kind email or buying a gift can be said for the mitzvah of loving others. Keeping quiet while someone sleeps can be said for the mitzvah of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Waiting with Joy

God shines light into our hearts, guiding us to serve Him with joy and simplicity. That’s what I hold onto: if Mashiach were to come right now, I’d want to be found simply — happy.

May we all hear good news soon, may pure souls be uplifted, and may we merit the redemption quickly in our days.