LIVING WITH MOSHIACH #2471

In memory of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok ben R' Zalman Yuda Deitsch OBM

Judah and Tamar had two sons, Peretz and Zerach. Peretz is the direct ancestor of King David and Moshiach. The Midrash notes that "Before the first enslaver of Israel (Pharaoh) was born, the ultimate redeemer of Israel (Moshiach's ancestor Peretz) was already born." G-d thus brought about the cure before the affliction. This "light of Moshiach" that was created with the birth of Peretz confers upon Israel the strength and ability to succeed in their exiles, to "break through" (the meaning of the name "Peretz") all the obstacles that try to impede their service of G-d until Moshiach is revealed.