Mashiach Hazaken

Chaim Topol's song "Mashiach Hazaken" tells the poignant story of an elderly messiah living in a place called Jumalan. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has spent seventy years saving money with the hope of finding a wife and starting a family. The messiah's solitary existence, devoid of a wife and children, underscores a deep sense of loneliness and longing. The repeated questioning of how much money he has saved—ranging from three dinars to three hundred—highlights the uncertainty and the passage of time, as well as the messiah's unwavering hope for a better future.

As the song progresses, the messiah finally marries at the age of seventy, using all his savings to buy a wife. The lyrics then shift to his aspirations for fatherhood, expressing a desire for many children who will carry his name. The messiah's prayers for seven children, or at least six, reflect his yearning for legacy and continuity. However, the mention of his diminishing strength and the reliance on divine will ('if God wills it') adds a layer of realism and humility to his dreams.

In the final verses, the messiah's prayers are answered with the birth of daughters, each named with care and love. Despite the joy of fatherhood, the song ends on a somber note, with the acknowledgment that no one will carry his name until the true messiah arrives. This ending serves as a metaphor for the messiah's enduring faith and the collective hope for redemption and fulfillment. Through its narrative, "Mashiach Hazaken" explores themes of perseverance, faith, and the human desire for connection and legacy, all set against the backdrop of cultural and religious expectations.