The various models of messianism in Judaism seem to be positioned at one of two poles. In some versions, the arrival of the Messiah is dependent on the continual efforts of humankind. In some mystical versions of apocalyptic messianism, however, history is ended abruptly by divine forces in a catastrophic event.
Dr. Sharvit suggests a third model to understanding messianism in modern Jewish Thought: Repetition. To understand the interconnections of redemption and repetition, Dr. Sharvit’s talk focuses on the works of Franz Rosenzweig and Franz Kafka.
Dr. Gilad Sharvit is an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Towson University.