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Is it true that the pig will be kosher after Moshiach comes?

by Rabbi Simcha Bart

  

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Indeed the Midrash1  maintains that the swine will be “purified” with the arrival of the Messianic Era. The problem with this notion is that a basic principle of the Jewish faith is the absolute immutability of the Torah and its mitzvahs. The following are two of the explanations which have been given:


1. When Moshiach comes G-d will change the nature of the pig and it will start chewing its cud—thus rendering it a Kosher animal.


2. The midrash is allegorical. The Roman Empire, the destroyer of the Holy Temple, is compared to a swine. When Moshiach comes even our most sworn enemies will be at peace with us.

Footnotes

  • 1. There are many sources that quote this Midrash. For example, the Abarbanel in his Yeshu'ot Meshicho (as well as the Sdei Chemed) says that this can be found in Bereishit Rabbah. For more on the sources, please see Likutei Sichot vol. 12 page 175. For the various interpretations of this, please see Sdei Chemed Klallim 3, 76.

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RELATED CATEGORIES

Philosophy » Messiah
Israel » Messiah
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Moshiach
The Messiah. Moshiach is the person who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for all of humanity when there will be no jealousy or hate, wars or famine. This is a fundamental Jewish belief.
Kosher
Literally means "fit." Commonly used to describe foods which are permitted by Jewish dietary laws, but is also used to describe religious articles (such as a Torah scroll or Sukkah) which meet the requirements of Jewish law.
Midrash
(Pl. Midrashim). Non-legal material of anecdotal or allegorical nature, designed either to clarify historical material, or to teach a moral point. The Midrashim were compiled by the sages who authored the Mishna and Talmud (200 BCE-500 CE).
Temple
1. Usually a reference to the Holy Temple which was/will be situated in Jerusalem. 1st Temple was built in 825 BCE and was destroyed in 423 BCE. The 2nd Temple was built in 350 BCE and was destroyed in 70 CE. The 3rd Temple will be built by the Messiah. 2. A synagogue.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.