I recall a gemarah (possibly Yerushalmi Taanit?) wherein Rebbi Akiva is quoted as proclaiming that Shimon bar Kosiba was the king Moshiach. I further understand that this statement could be one of belief as opposed to halacha or fact. I would like to know if there is any restriction for someone to publicly proclaim whether as belief or fact, that another person is the messiah.
asked Jul 12, 2017 at 13:43
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3Try not to be wrong– Double AA ♦Jul 12, 2017 at 13:53
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Why should it be different than proclaiming anything else?– LoewianJul 12, 2017 at 14:18
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related: judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/40421/was-bar-kochba-a-king/…– LoewianJul 12, 2017 at 14:19
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1you'd face opposition from the (presumably majority) naysayers who disagreed with your assessment, but there's no proscribed repercussions for making such a declaration provided that upon proof of being wrong you recant, otherwise, you might be liable for a number of possible sins, such as lo tisgodedu...– Isaac KotlickyJul 12, 2017 at 16:24
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2There evidently was plenty of opposition to R Akiva's proclamation even at that time - "Grass will be growing in your cheeks, etc"....– GaryJul 15, 2017 at 18:19
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1 Answer
The Reason that the Rambam writes laws about it is in order to know who Moshiach is during the time of exile (since after MOSHIACH comes it will be obvious who he is)
To answer your question simply- if he fits the Rambams Specifications Then yes you could say he is chezkas Moshiach
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1You should give the details as to what the Rambam says and where. Jan 25, 2018 at 11:01
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