I have long been uncomfortable with the concept of the "Chosen People". To suggest that as Jews we are somehow closer to G-d than all other nations smacks of arrogance, elitism, and racial prejudice.
39 Comments Posted
Thank you, Rabbi Moss. I have never heard this explanation before for the concept of chosenness. It makes a lot of sense.
|
Even though I am not Jewish, I do recognize that Jews are God's chosen people. As a Christian, I am grateful that God chose to work through a nomadic tribe of people to reveal Himself and His ways to the world. As a Christian, I appreciate Jewish history and have endeavored to learn what God has spoken through the Jewish Scriptures. Because you are chosen, you have a great responsibility. As a people, you've given the world a great gift. Thank you.
|
that was a very inteligent response, and i was recommended this text by a friend who looks at our "chosenness" as more akin to "lack of luck..." but i really agree with the mentality of this.
it really just depends on who your getting closer to, a self proclaimed ruler/messiah, or god.
|
The idea that the Jews are the "Chosen People" throughout the ages breeds anti Semitism in my opinion. One of the traits of humans is, unfortunatley, jealousy. It just put more fodder into the fire over the ages.
Secondly, bravo bravo, Rabbi Moss. Your words are full of great wisedom. Jewish "chosenness" is not a gene, it is a state of the soul My hat off to you.
|
Jewish people always interpret their "choseness" as jewish people having the righteous fight for high status jobs and this is why jewish people are considered elitest.
|
IYour comments regarding the idea that Jews are the chosen people hit a sensitive nerve in me. You stated anyone can convert to Judiasm and become chosen. It is a state of the soul. I agree to that and some more. All of humaanity has a soul That is how we were born - with a soul. Consequently, anyone and everyone are God's chosen people No separateness.
|
I am confused at your response Rabbi... I don't think you answered her question, only confirmed that she is "chosen". I am also confused at how converting to a Jew would attain this chosenness... and how that affects/betters one's relationship with God. Also, the explanation of a humble state of mind caused by a relationship with G-d is confusing for me as I don't know how to attain this relationship and how just simply being a Jew fosters this relationship-caused humbleness...
|
You teach love and compassion and include all the family in all you do. Nobody can do better.
|
Chosen People, please be more specific in your response. it's unclear. and can anybody answer my question??
|
Wow your wisdom, Rabbi, is most amazing. Chosenness is like a heavy backpack, full of responsibility. As your relationship deepens you get less titles and more true happiness, knowledge and more and more responsibility.
|
So who is more favored in the eyes of God? Someone born of a Jewish mother who eats pork, robs and cheats, desicrates the Sabbath..or a Gentile who obeys the Noachide laws and lives a life of charity and good will?
|
Only G-d can judge, not us. But certainly we have no right to compare one person to another. We can only compare ourselves as we are to ourselves as we could be.
|
I would like to think that a Gentile who strives to do the right thing as much as he can would be much more favorable in the eyes of God then a Jew who shows disrespect and disobedience to God's laws. But thats just me.
|
We never asked to be G_D's chosen people. He chose us. If anyone has a problem with that take it up with G_D. Don't shoot the messenger. I think its safer for the world to blame the Jews than to take on G_D himself.
|
I have to say that most of the Jews I know only think of chosenness in terms of God giving Israel to the Jews. They aren't concerned about any obligations or responcibilities to live righteous lives and to be a shining example to the world. All they care about is "God chose us, we are special, and he gave us the land". Hopefully we will not be, once again, punished by God.
|
More privileges more responsibility, a son can cause pain to his dad more than anyone else...
|
I stand before thee naked and light; before me stands the mighty sword of my mortal enemies; Fore they have declared themselves so; I stand chosen not alone. In my closeness, arm and arm with my family, my friends and those that I know not yet; with light and understanding that the flesh that I now own is my temple and where I live but for now. It will all be seen how it all shakes out, soon perhaps, with few remaining that know that the Chosen are but the holders of the light that we give freely to those that will live peacefully with us... a Legacy to be shared, cherished and fought for for all is mighty outside and we are here for a small time.
I stand here because I am proud to be who I was intended to be by those that gave me life, Jewishness, and our way to live; I pray that others will carry out the message also.
|
I was born in a British Colony and in my school days I was taught by white British Missionary that the Jews were "Chosen" and also that they Killed Jesus. Today, through the control of the media and most of the Christian Govermnents of the world, they want to control the World. Everything I've heard and read of Jews do not lead me to believe that they are "Chosen" by GOD but somr othe Entity. I do not believe that God would allow his "Chosen" to brutalize the Palistians as the Jews are today.
|
Judaism is racist, likely the source of much racism over the ages as well. It inspired Christianity which has the "we're humble" form of superiority, much like the answer given here. Judaism inspired Islam, which we all know is heinous. Zoroastrianism, which is related to is all, is so racist that they refuse to mate with anyone.
So, it's all insanity from the mideast.
Any person who likes people who quit these religions.
|
I am a Christian and I believe that the Jews are G-d's chosen people. I think its absurd to call it racism, or elitism. You cant place G-d into politically correct terminology. I may not agree entirely with Judaism, but look at all the persecution placed on the Jews all these years.
I believe there will be a time when all nations will fight against Israel, but G-d will be fighting Israel's war.
|
Just thinking - So G-d breathed into Adam and we understand the deeper meaning of this extends to all people, Jews and Non-Jews. We are all from G-D. Is there room then also for the covenant established by Abraham to be established in the Heart of all people as well - ? Thus there being an esoteric manifestation of Judaism, in terms of worldly religion, but also an esoteric Judaism, in the Heart of all creation which bears witness to the Oneness of God - thus with the Jewish teachings and path of Return being valid for all Creation, while Obligatory for Jews - with non-Jews, those who dwell in inner Realities - also recognizing the wisdom of Abraham and affirming their commitment to G-D and His Primordial covenant with all His Creation. Perhaps Jews are leaders in this testimony, formally taking this covenant with G-D, though I would say that the covenant is there for all people to affirm - the result of which is the burden on the Ego resulting in great Blessings and great paradox.
|
From answer: "All agree that it was the Jews that introduced the world to monotheism and a system of ethics and morals that has shaped the modern view of life and its purpose. And it is the survival of Judaism to this day that attests to the eternal value of this system."
First, most people informed peole do not believe the Jews introduced the world to monotheism. Even the ancient Hebrews were not monotheistic. The monotheism that exists today is in large part a product of the Romans and the Roman Catholic church.
Further, the ethics and morals of the modern world view derive little if anything from Judaism, but rather are a product of the cultural clashes between the classical tradition (Greeks and Romans) and Northern Europeans (most notably the Protestant reformation and its aftermath).
The survival of Judaism has been accomplished only by virtue of the fact that the Hebrew scriptures were tacked onto the Christian Gospels.
|
Well, so much for Abraham, the Roman Catholics were the first Monotheists? You should excuse the expression: Steer stool.
I just love when Christians ignore the history of the Jewish people and then have the gall to say that the Jewish scriptures were "tacked onto" their book.
ALMOST EVERY WORD THAT JESUS SPOKE WAS A QUOTE FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES. I find Mr. Jone's ramblings to be about the most absurd and ignorant thing I've ever read.
Roman Catholicism claims the Pope is incapable of making a mistake. He just apologized for reinstating a Holocaust denier...he screwed up royally.
Whether or not you like it, the ancient Hebrews were monotheistic starting with Abraham. Catholics have idols in their churches. THAT is monotheistic?
Methinks you ought to ask a priest about your way out beliefs, even Catholic priests know the depth of your ignorance.
|
This mentality and sense of privilage is absurd. Its institutionalized racism and elitism. Throughtout history different cultures have existed and exist. They clash with each, kill each other and sometimes coexist. But no one group has been chosen by god. God does not choose a particular group or person. His laws are here for all eternity for all people that can either reject them or embrace them.
|
Turn to Deuteronomy 7:7-9 where it says, “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
God chose us to keep 613 commandments while non-Jews only have to keep seven; in where is there special consideration for us Jews? This misunderstanding has been a stated reason for Jew-hate for far too long. The Jews did not choose God, he chose US. Got a fight? Go fight with God, not us..
|
'Our place is in Heaven, in fact higher than Heaven because Heaven is also created'
To state that non-jews were created by God's speech and Jews by his thoughts is wrong. That non-jews are created by god, jews were not is saying that jews are higher than human beings, and therefore arnt human? than what exactly?? Why do you look and act human, and commit wrong like every other human being? Seems like a load of rubbish to me, this is the reason for anti-semitism, this egotistical and arrogant attitude.
|
Claire and Buddy, do you own bibles? Jews do not think that they're better or worse than anyone else. I've been a Jew for going on 70 years and have never, not once, ever heard that we're better. We were Chosen by G-d to keep a heap of commandments and to live in a land that was owned (as is all the earth) by G-d. Then there is the odious charge against Israel that it is an apartheid state. Israel has CITIZENS who are white, black, Asian, Arabs...and they have equal rights.
|
unless you happen to be Palestinian
|
Lovely answer given to Margaret.
I was raised in a Catholic but have been thoroughly disenchanted with it. I admire the Jews and all they have had to suffer and have been able to overcome it.
|
If the body of Israel moved to say, Wisconsin, could Israel still exist and therefore solve the Palestinian problem. Moving Wisconsin around would give some German offspring some gerational payback.
|
I think it would be amazing and incredibly helpful if the Jewish community, reaches out to non jews more to explain their faith and their theology - Especially between jews and Muslims the beliefs are very similar and it is important that we find points to connect in worshiping the one God instead of arguing - in the Quran it says that the Jews were chosen by God, and given very specific commandments - this does not mean necessarily that non-jews were not commanded to worship God or not loved by God but that their command is different. The Quran also says that if God wanted to make everyone the same He would have, but He made us diverse, and to every group of people He sent a messenger. It says we should not argue but we should compete and challenge each other in virtue and worship. I do think jews might benefit from contemplating God's messengers to other peoples and not reject them- this is possible while still keeping their religion
|
Tom, Palestinians could have had their own country when Israel was born. They can still have their country if they will stop denying Israel's existence. NAME ME ONE ARAB STATE IN WHICH A JEW CAN BE A CITIZEN...ONE, and then we can talk, until then, there is no basis for a discussion.
|
jews arent the chosen people if they were chosen G-d probably wouldn't wreck all their lives with war and death
|
Rabbi Moss,
As an early student of the Kabbalah, I seem to differ in my philosophy with respect to the above question,.
Yes, the Jewish people are the Chosen ones as all of man kind is. The only difference is that 75% of non Jews are unaware of this fact. The other 25% are aware of it through intuitive experiences .
We Jews were informed ot this fact from the time we were children.
Rabbi Moss, as a student of the Torah and Kaballah, and most of all life, you are aware that G-d does not distinguish or select who will be his "top of the line" group. Everyone is his "top of the line children. Amen.
|
Morocco is an Arab country in which Jews are able to obtain citizenship. I am 100% American (Muslim), my wife is 100% Moroccan (Muslim) and our son is 50/50 American/Moroccan (religion TBD -- it is his choice). Let us not forget 2 things. First, nobody chooses where you are born on this planet, and many times, your place of birth largely dictates your religion. Second, if you survey 1,000 people and ask them two questions: "What is your religion?" "Why are you Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Etc?" The answer you hear over 95% of the time is "Well, because my parents are that religion!" Therefore, in my view, we are all Children of God, and not any one religious group is more "Chosen" than the next. Let us all stop fighting over which "Prophet" brought God's message, and instead, remember that we are all related if you trace our roots back to earlier Prophets (i.e. Abraham). Let me close by saying "We all breathe the same air" Peace be upon us all,
|
Ahmed, You are so very correct. Congratulations to you and those that follow your philosophy. If everyone agreed with your philosophy, we would be at peace. No wars
|
Adam and Noah believed in the beginning in the one true God, the Creator. Throughout the entire history of the world, mankind has created idols they worshipped, often involving sexual rituals, killing virgins and even their first born child as a tribute to a God such as Molech a fire God. God's chosen people were chosen because they loved and worshipped the one true God of heaven; also known as the God of Abraham, Isasac, and Jacob. Jacob whose name was changed by God to Israel had 12 sons; all of which were considered Israel or God's chosen people. The descendants of 10 of these sons are scattered thoughout every nation. Many who truly love God and are seeking to obey his laws, are unknowingly descended from and part of these original 12 tribes of Israel. Being chosen by God meant that you loved, worshipped and obeyed the one true God; not that you were part of a wordly monarchy with power over or value above others.
|
|
LOGIN
ASK THE RABBI
Read this article
