Fantasy or Reality?
The Messianic prophecy, “The wolf will lie with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6), also symbolizes a future time when the Jewish people will live in harmony with the nations of the world.
Fantasy or Reality?
At the dawn of the 20th century, life in America looked very different. The average life expectancy ranged from just 33 to 48 years. Most families earned the equivalent of $3,000 a year in today’s dollars, and about half of all children lived in poverty. Teenagers typically didn’t attend school—they worked long hours in factories or on farms.
When Jewish immigrants arrived in the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s, many believed they would need to abandon their traditions in order to succeed in the “Goldene Medina”—the Golden Land. Assimilation was seen as the price of prosperity. But history has proven otherwise.
Even then, the world was on the brink of extraordinary transformation. In the 1890s, groundbreaking discoveries in physics and medicine—such as X-rays, radioactivity, and the early ideas of quantum theory—revolutionized how humanity understood matter, energy, and the human body. For the first time, medicine began evolving into a science-driven discipline, laying the groundwork for today’s incredible advancements.
Now, more than a century later, we live in a world that is nearly unrecognizable by comparison. Life expectancy in the U.S. has more than doubled, reaching approximately 79 years. The median household income hovers around $80,000, and access to education, healthcare, and technology is dramatically improved. But perhaps the most transformative development in recent times is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
A New Era Powered by AI
AI is not just an invention; it's a catalyst for global change. In medicine, AI is diagnosing diseases earlier, customizing treatments, and helping researchers discover new drugs with unprecedented speed. In finance, algorithms power markets and offer personalized investment strategies. In education, adaptive platforms tailor learning to individual needs, making Torah study and general knowledge more accessible than ever. Across agriculture, cybersecurity, law, transportation, and more, AI is optimizing systems and pushing the boundaries of possibility.
For the Jewish community, digital technology has become a tool for spiritual growth and unity. Online yeshivas, global Torah apps, AI-driven Torah platforms, philanthropic opportunities, and social media platforms connect Jews worldwide.
And unlike previous generations, Jewish identity is now a source of pride and strength in every arena—government, business, academia, and media. We are living in a time when the miracle is not only that we survived, but that we thrive.
The New Middle East
In recent years, and especially following the tragic events of October 7, we are witnessing the emergence of a new Middle East—not just in diplomacy but in the balance of power itself. Despite the pain and heartbreak endured by Israel, the aftermath has revealed something remarkable: many of Israel’s fiercest adversaries, most notably Iran and its proxy networks—including Hamas, Hezbollah, and others—are now greatly diminished in strength and capabilities.
Their aggression has not only failed to destroy Israel’s spirit but has instead rallied unprecedented support from allies and pushed regional powers to reconsider their alliances and long-term strategies. The myth of invincibility that once surrounded these proxy forces is eroding.
At the same time, peace initiatives such as the Abraham Accords—signed with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan—continue to bear fruit. These historic agreements have opened the doors to economic partnerships, technological exchange, and mutual respect. There is now a growing recognition in the Arab world that cooperation with Israel brings prosperity, innovation, and stability, while enmity leads only to isolation and loss.
This is a profound shift. The idea that Israel would be diplomatically embraced by neighboring Arab states while its existential enemies weaken was once unimaginable. Now it is becoming reality—a direct fulfillment of the Biblical promise that, in the days before redemption, Israel would “dwell securely” and the nations would begin to “turn their swords into plowshares.”
The foundations are being laid for true peace, one not built on illusions but on strength, shared interests, and a divine unfolding of history.
Still, the Work Remains
Of course, challenges persist. Antisemitism, violence, and hatred have not disappeared. Tragic events remind us that progress must be defended with vigilance and courage. Still, compared to the hardships of the past, we are living in an era of extraordinary potential and relative peace.
This week’s Torah portion, Balak, recalls the Jewish people's journey through the desert, preparing to enter the Land of Israel. Although they sought to pass peacefully, hostile nations attacked. In a last-ditch effort to stop them, King Balak of Moav hired the sorcerer Bilaam to curse the Jews. But instead, G-d transformed his curses into blessings.
In an ironic twist, Bilaam—an enemy of the Jews—became the messenger of some of the most profound prophecies in the Torah. He foretold the coming of Moshiach, and the ultimate purpose of creation: a perfected world filled with peace, unity, and divine awareness.
The Messianic Vision: Becoming Reality
As Maimonides (Rambam) writes in Mishneh Torah:
“In the future, the Messianic king will arise and renew the Davidic dynasty… he will build the Temple and gather the dispersed of Israel… Bilaam prophesied about two anointed kings: the first, King David, and the final anointed king, who will arise from his descendants at the end of days.”
Unlike apocalyptic worldviews, Judaism teaches that the Messianic era will be a time of global harmony, healing, and abundance. There will be no more war, famine, jealousy, or hatred. All of humanity will come to recognize G-d and serve Him with joy. The world will be transformed—not destroyed.
And today, for the first time in history, this vision feels possible. Technologies and societal shifts are preparing the ground for redemption.
Prophecy Becoming Tangible:
Economic Prosperity
“At that time there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor strife. All good things will be bestowed in abundance…” — Maimonides
Information Explosion
“…the earth shall be full of knowledge of G‑d as the waters cover the sea.” — Isaiah 11:9
(Digital Torah study, AI-assisted learning, instant access to global knowledge.)
Medical Miracles
“The eyes of the blind shall be clear sighted… the lame shall leap… death shall be swallowed up forever…” — Isaiah 35:5-6, 25:8
(Breakthroughs in gene therapy, biotech, and neuroscience.)
Monotheism and Shared Values
“For then I shall turn to the peoples a pure tongue that all shall call upon the Name of G‑d…” — Zephaniah 3:9
(Global respect for human dignity and moral responsibility.)
Universal Peace
“…they shall beat their swords into plowshares… Nation shall not lift a sword against nation…” — Isaiah 2:4
(Peace treaties, new alliances, global opposition to war.)
The Power of One
Maimonides teaches that each individual holds the power to change the world:
“A person should see himself and the entire world as equally balanced between merit and sin… One mitzvah can bring salvation to the world.”
One act of kindness, one mitzvah, one prayer—especially now—can tip the scales for the entire world.
Let us stay hopeful, focused, and spiritually awake. As we stand on the threshold of redemption, our generation has the privilege—and the responsibility—to help bring this vision to life.
May we merit the coming of Moshiach now.
