For the week ending 12 December 2009 / 24 Kislev 5770
Looking Forward to the Redeemer
An interesting way for a Jew to demonstrate his faith that Mashiach may arrive any day was described by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, the rav of the Ramat Elchanan community in Bnei Brak.
On a visit to a farmer who raised sheep, the rabbi suggested to him how to fulfill what is ruled by the Rambam (Laws of Kings 11:1) that one must not only believe in the inevitable arrival of the Redeemer but must also look forward to it. Since a lamb that is more than one year old is not eligible for offering as a korban Pesach, it would be wise for the farmer to record the date of birth of his lambs so that when the Beit Hamikdash is built upon Mashiach's arrival he will be able to provide a qualified candidate for the altar.