24. Before his death on June 12, 1994, Lubavitcher Rabbi Menachem Schneerson was considered
by many in his ultra-orthodox sect to be the Messiah (Moshioch in Hebrew). He was very ill
during his last months. His followers placed an advertisement in the Manhattan Jewish
Sentinel less than two months before his death. The advertisement stated:
MOSHIACH FACT #20
HOW CAN THE REBBE BE MOSHIOCH IF HE IS ILL?
Moshiach is described as one who is ill, “and he is wounded for our transgressions
(Yeshayahu 53)”. When his time comes G-d says: I shall make him as a new creation. Thus
the verse says, Today I have given birth to him, his moment of healing has come. (Yalkut
Shimoni, Tehillim, Ch.2)
YECHI HAMELECH!
THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE HAS DECLARED THAT THE TIME OF THE REDEMPTION HAS
ARRIVED
“Yeshayahu” is “Isaiah” in Hebrew. Here, as recently as April 1994, members of the
Lubavitcher movement clearly and publicly applied Isaiah 53:5 to the Messiah.
Conclusion
This history of rabbinical thought concerning Isaiah 53 demonstrates that the traditional
Jewish view of Isaiah 53 is that it speaks of the Messiah. Because of this, it is clear
that the dominant Jewish view of the Messiah throughout the centuries has included the
understanding that the Messiah would suffer and die as a sacrifice, bearing the sins of all
people who would “believe the report” (verse 1). He would be the ultimate atonement for
Jewish people and for others who would embrace him.