Messiahs, and their followers, are desperate people. They are typically social outcasts who suffer doubly because they are outcasts of a religious or ethnic group which is itself something of an outcast in the wider society, either through foreign invaders or by being a minority in an oppressive society. As far as the movement is concerned, the “end” is near and the Jewish people must pull together to form a unified front.
Generally speaking, however, such unity cannot be achieved through traditional beliefs and actions — otherwise, the unity would already exist. Instead, radical changes are required, blending a return to norms which have been abandoned with innovative ideas to create a religious system which, in theory, is supposed to sustain the Jewish community in the face of danger and oppression.
Some 70 different messianic figures are dealt with in the book, although some with greater detail than others. Some are tragic and some are comic, but most have been forgotten. In many cases, their stories and original documents are translated for the first time in this book, making it a unique resource.
Some might find that his definition of “messiah” is too broad because he bases his thesis on the idea that the role of the messiah encompasses the traditional Jewish roles of king, prophet and priest. Thus, many who are believed to have filled any of those roles — like Moses or David — are regarded as “messiahs” as well. Criticisms of this are valid, but it is a perspective which allows Lenowitz to place the messianic role more firmly in Jewish history and tradition.
Some may also find that his scholarship and writing can be difficult at times. Rather than simply engaging in historical analysis, he also writes a fair amount on textual critique. Lenowitz even seems to feel that the very life of a messiah is somehow a “text” in and of itself:
- “I came to see messianic movements as a variety of drama, a constantly repeated ritual, a tragedy as I guess Jewish political life was.”
Because messianic movements rely upon, and produce, important religious documents, there is some basis for approaching and critiquing them in such a fashion. However, it is a perspective which may bore non-scholars and should be kept in mind by anyone interested in the book.
Nevertheless, Lenowitz has provided us with an interesting and in many ways unique volume of information regarding messiahs and messianic movements. If this is a topic which interests you, then this is one book which you will want make sure you include in your reading.
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