Actually, this is a very defining moment for me. You know me from the other forum and that I am Jewish, although I did not have a religious education at all growing up.

My biggest stumbling block really has been thinking (subconsciously) in terms of the xtian notion of a messiah. When their messiah came, a whole new religion was created. But when our Messiah arrives, we won't have to create a new religion because Judaism doesn't need perfecting! And, I'm not happy to admit that I was getting hung up on the fact that xtians pray to their messiah. So, I'm thinking, "Is the Jewish Messiah some kind of mini-me Hashem?" to whom we will have to pray? No! He'll be a human but a very special human. The menschiest of the mensches. Yet, even as a very special human, he will never, ever be Hashem.

Hey, I think I have this! Seriously, I have no idea why I didn't grasp this before. I actually feel a little closer to Hashem right now.