But afterwards [after the Torah was given] their sin caused both them and the world to become gross [again] - until the End of Days - [(Ketz Hayamin) when G-d's "right hand" (Yamin - meaning both "days" and "right"), i.e., His power, will be revealed].

Then, the dross of the body and of the world will become purified, and they will be able to receive the revelation of G-d's light that will shine forth over Israel, by means of the Torah, which is called "might".

Through the superabundance of light which will shine upon the Jewish people, the darkness of the nations will also be lit up, as it is written: [16] "And nations will walk by your [the Jewish people's] light"; and it is also written [17] [that the nations will say to the Jewish people]: "House of Jacob, go and we will walk along by the light of G-d"; and again: [18] "And the glory of G-d shall be revealed, and all flesh will see..."; and: [19] "to enter the holes of the rocks and the clefts of boulders, for fear of G-d and of His majestic glory."

[This refers to the nations, who will be filled with the dread of G-d; for it cannot be said of Israel, who will be one with G-d, that they will seek refuge from Him].

So also do we pray: [20] "Appear in the majestic splendor of Your might to all the inhabitants of the world," [including the other nations.

Thus we see that in the Messianic era G-dliness will be revealed to all the nations of the world - and in this state lies the fulfillment of the purpose for which this world was created].

   

Notes:

16. (Back to text) Yeshayahu 60:3.

17. (Back to text) Ibid. 2:5.

18. (Back to text) Ibid. 40:5.

19. (Back to text) Ibid. 2:21.

20. (Back to text) Liturgy, Amidah, High Holidays.