When Maimonides says that the Messiah will come but that 'he may tarry,' we see the origin of every Jewish shrug from Spinoza to Woody Allen.

Summary

This quote suggests that the idea of the Messiah's arrival in Jewish tradition, as expressed by Maimonides, contains an element of uncertainty or delay. It implies that Jewish individuals have developed a sense of skepticism or resignation, possibly reflected in the nonchalant shrugging gesture, when faced with the uncertain nature of the Messiah's arrival. The quote further associates this attitude with influential Jewish figures like Spinoza and Woody Allen, suggesting that it has pervaded Jewish culture and philosophy throughout history.

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