Question:
How will life after Moshiach's coming be different from how it is now?
Answer:
Redemption is a matter of bringing "Alef" - G-d Himself, into our everyday life.
For the most part, Geulah (redemption) will not change our basic lifestyle but only elevate it and make it more meaningful and G-dly. Our sages say, "There is no difference between these days and the days of Moshiach, except that we will no longer be subjugated by the nations." In the early stages of redemption, our day-to-day life will not necessarily experience dramatic changes. The only difference is that we will not be "subjugated by the nations."
In the past, Jews were dominated by other nations and were not given political or religious freedom. This kind of subjugation has thankfully ended for Jews in nearly all parts of the world. As recently as twenty years ago, Jews in the Soviet Union were not free to observe Judaism as they wished. Today Judaism in the former Soviet Union is experiencing a renaissance of historic proportions.
Another, more subtle type of subjugation is psychological, when Jews feel dependent on the approval of the surrounding nations and lack confidence to adhere to Jewish values in the face of ridicule. Moshiach will restore our pride in being Jewish, and give us the courage to proclaim our beliefs and uphold our Jewish practices.
The idea that redemption will not cause a dramatic change in our lifestyle but only enhance it is reflected in the Hebrew word Geulah itself. The Hebrew word for exile, Golah, has the same letters as Geulah. The only difference is that Geulah has an added letter, Alef, which also represents the numeral one. Achieving redemption is a matter of bringing "Alef" - One, referring to G-d Himself, into our everyday life, thus transforming it into something elevated and sacred.
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