The Jew is no stranger to turbulent times.  Forces of chaos and destruction, both natural and man-made, have pushed back against the Jewish belief that our broken world can be mended, bringing about a new iteration of human reality. 

But how will this happen?  And who will lead us into this brave world? 

This course will explore the evolution of Jewish thoughts & beliefs about the Messiah visa vi the social realpolitik of each age, from Torah through Rabbinic times, through Kabbalah, Hassidut, and modern Enlightenment.  We will look at the failed (and false) Jewish Messianic movements of Bar Kochba, Shabbatei Tzevi, and Jacob Frank.  We will examine how historic trends that led to Jewish Messianic fervor may be in the air today.  And we will explore the modern Jewish response to messianic trends held deep in our societal psyche which demand personal responsibility even as they reject the dependence on an outside Messianic agitator.