2) Let’s pretend for a minute that he IS the Messiah. Why should i believe that and what difference does it make to me?
Him: If you believe in him you will gain attonement for your sins; if you don’t you will be in eternal damnation.
Me: (After long conversation about Yom Kippur, korbonos and ?????? ???? ??????; ?? ???? ??? ????) — Pretending that believing in a Messiah will gain me atonement, and pretending it is him – if i believe ?????? ????? that the Messiah will come, will come any day now, and will atone for me, i won’t get the attonement because i don’t know who he is?
Him: Erm… Yes.
Me: So you are telling me, based on the scripture, that one has an obligation to know who the Messiah is.
Him: Well… no, i guess – you must believe that the Messiah will come.
Me: I do. Have a good day!