When Maimonides says that the Messiah will come but that 'he may tarry,' we see the origin of every Jewish shrug from Spinoza to Woody Allen.
In his book "Letters to a Young Contrarian," Christopher Hitchens discusses the concept of the Messiah in Jewish thought, particularly referencing Maimonides' idea that while the Messiah will eventually arrive, he might not come as quickly as hoped. This notion introduces a certain level of skepticism or resignation commonly found in Jewish culture, suggesting that anticipation can lead to a philosophical acceptance of delay or uncertainty in divine promises.
This perspective can be seen throughout Jewish intellectual history, influencing figures from Spinoza to Woody Allen, who often embody a pragmatic and sometimes ironic approach to faith and expectation. The idea that the Messiah may take time to appear reflects a broader attitude toward life’s unpredictability, encouraging a blend of hope and humor in the face of uncertainty.
