Why We All Need to Believe in the Coming of Moshiach

I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Moshiach! But it doesn't stop there. We continue: Even though he may tarry, nonetheless, I anticipate his coming every day.
This is how Maimonides rules in Chapter 11 of the Laws of Kings: "The king Moshiach is destined to arise and restore the kingdom of David to its former sovereignty, build the Temple, gather the exiles of Israel, and reinstate all the laws as in earlier times. Sacrifices will be offered, sabbaticals will be observed, and all Torah laws will be followed. Anyone who does not believe in him or does not await his coming is considered not only a heretic of the prophets but of the Torah and Moses our teacher as well, for the Torah testifies about him, saying, 'Then Hashem will return your captivity and have mercy upon you, and gather you in…' These explicit words of the Torah sum up all that is said by the prophets. Even in the prophecy of Balaam, it mentions two messiahs: the first, David, who saved Israel from their enemies, and the final Moshiach, a descendant of David, who will bring salvation. It says, 'I see him, but not now' — this refers to David; 'I behold him, but not near' — this is Moshiach…"
Now, one might ask: It's understandable that someone who doesn't believe in Moshiach's coming is a heretic, as the Torah predicts it. But why would someone who doesn't actively await his coming also be considered a heretic?
Let's imagine: there is a Jew who has been blessed abundantly. He is both a scholar and a decent, upstanding person. An elder in years who has seen generations walking righteously in the ways of Hashem. Simultaneously, he is wealthy, seeing his world accomplished in his days, and he donates a fifth of his fortune to charity and Torah support. Why, if he doesn’t yearn for Moshiach, is he seen as a heretic? He observes the commandments? Yes! He performs acts of kindness? Yes! So why is he considered a heretic to the whole Torah?

Here we must understand the full significance of complete redemption and what Moshiach’s arrival will bring.
When Moshiach comes to redeem us, not only will humanity but the entire creation will reach its ultimate perfection into "rectifying the world under the Almighty's sovereignty." Then shall the prophecies come to fruition, "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of Hashem," "I will remove the impure spirit from the land," "On that day, Hashem alone shall be exalted."
Likewise, in the Torah portion of Nitzavim, Ramban writes regarding repentance: "Since the world's creation, humankind has had free will, righteous or wicked. Throughout the era of Torah, so it remains, allowing choice in goodness for merit and punishment for willful evil. But, in the days of Moshiach, goodness will be their natural inclination. The heart won't long for the unworthy or undesirable... and man will return to that which existed before Adam's sin."
Moreover, Maimonides in Chapter 7 of the Laws of Repentance states: "The Torah has promised that in the end, Israel will repent at the conclusion of their exile, and then they will immediately be redeemed, as it says: 'When all these things befall you… and you return to Hashem your God, then Hashem will return your captivity.'"
This is the purpose for which Hashem created the entire universe!
Now the truth becomes clear. We are living in a deceptive world, a contaminated existence where everything is esteemed except for the name of Hashem. This tarnished world, full of physical and spiritual strife, is merely a passageway to the ultimate goal, the eternal rest and inheritance.
Therefore, anticipation for Moshiach and yearning for salvation are fundamental elements of faith. For a Jew who believes that Hashem is the Creator and Ruler and created his world for an exalted purpose cannot possibly find contentment in the current state. Someone content in today's flawed and base world lacks the fundamental belief that our God is the Creator and Governor and will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. Basic belief demands awareness that we inhabit a world as a corridor, on the way to repairing the world under the Almighty's sovereignty.
We see these sentiments reflected in our daily prayers, in the prayer of Eighteen: "May the offspring of Your servant David quickly flourish, and his salvation lift our horn, for we hope for Your salvation all day and look forward to salvation."

There is an important aspect of waiting for Moshiach. Embodying a yearning for a better future strengthens us and grants us the energy to overcome the hardships and trials. This yearning becomes a form of bond, a glue that connects two separated parts. Just as in everyday life, when two close individuals are distanced for a while, longing fuels and strengthens the bond between them. Each year, throughout the cycle, we fervently implore and pour out our hearts like water: "Our Father, our King, reveal the glory of your kingdom upon us speedily. Manifest and exalt yourself over us swiftly in the sight of all living." "Lead us ceremoniously to Zion, your city, and to Jerusalem your Holy Temple with everlasting joy, and there fulfill our duty to offer sacrifices."
This is what we proclaim at the end of every prayer and during the most solemn days of the year, at the core and apex of our prayers: the "Aleinu L'Shabeach" prayer. Within this, we echo the themes mentioned above.
Aleinu praises Hashem, the Master of all, gives greatness to Hashem, the Creator of everything, for not making us like the nations of the lands, who bow to vanity and emptiness. Instead, we, the Jewish people, the chosen nation, bow and give thanks before the King of Kings, Hashem, who stretches the heavens and establishes the earth, and whose presence is everywhere above and beneath. As it states: "You shall know today and return it to your heart that Hashem is God above in heaven and on the earth below, there is none else."
Therefore, with great hope, we await the rapid revelation of Your splendor, when idols and idolatry will vanish from the earth, and the world will be repaired under the sovereignty of Hashem. All of humanity will call upon Your name alone. Even the wicked of the land will acknowledge it. Every knee shall bow to You, and every tongue shall swear loyalty to You. Before You, everyone shall kneel and accept Your kingdom, and You will, in truth, quickly reign over them. For the kingdom is only Yours, and for eternity, You will reign over the world in glory. As it is written: "Hashem shall be King over all the earth; on that day, Hashem will be One and His name One."

As we have seen, the reason we hope to see His complete dominion over the world is our belief that He stretches the heavens and establishes the earth.

Dear brothers and sisters, remember!
One of the questions asked of a person in their judgment is: Did you hope for salvation? Did you await the restoration of the Divine Presence from exile? Did you believe fully, and consequently, understand the need for Moshiach?
Let us, dear friends, strengthen our faith and genuinely begin to anticipate our people’s salvation.
Hashem’s salvation can come in the blink of an eye.

May Hashem help us realize swiftly "He will wipe the tear from every face," and may we merit to welcome our Moshiach in our days, Amen.

Awaiting the merciful salvation of His people
Yonatan Steinberger