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.
75 Comments Posted
Thank you, Rabbi Moss. I have never heard this explanation before for the concept of chosenness. It makes a lot of sense.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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You teach love and compassion and include all the family in all you do. Nobody can do better.
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Chosen People, please be more specific in your response. it's unclear. and can anybody answer my question??
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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More privileges more responsibility, a son can cause pain to his dad more than anyone else...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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..
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'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.
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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.
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unless you happen to be Palestinian
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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jews arent the chosen people if they were chosen G-d probably wouldn't wreck all their lives with war and death
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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We believe what we want to believe. Some people think about the concept of a chosen people and think "lucky us, we're chosen, we're better", some more refined people think "G-d chose us for a purpose -- a responsibility we have to all mankind", yet others choose to use it as fuel that Jews must be racist. Personally, I see a challenge... we're not on this world for book knowledge (like a quiz... who does G-d love most?) we're here to develop our characters spiritually As shown above, there's more than one way to evaluate the concept of choseness -- I believe HOW you interpret it says a lot about your level of spiritual attainment -- and isn't that perhaps the challenge? G-d gives us something to work with and then says "now let's see what you'll do with it". In this case, I believe the test material is "G-d loves the Jews" and perhaps what we need to aim for is the understanding "and He loves everyone else also". It comes down to this... "To what extent can we share G-d's love?".
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I was browsing through this again and remembered how uneducated one response was: 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.
Posted By Donald.
Many Jewish people I know are involved in charitable work that does not pay very much. THAT is elitist? YOU consider some Jewish people elitist and it sounds as though you didn't get a job at some point in the past and decide that all Jews are the same.
The FACT is that G-d chose the Jewish people, the Jewish people did not choose G-d. Try reading the Bible before you try to give an entire people a black eye.
Myself? I have spent much of my life in service to others either as a crisis intervention/suicide prevention counselor. Salary? $0.00 Why so little? Because it is a volunteer job. I've taught community computer classes, again for no salary. Why? Because that's what Jews do. Open your mind and heart.
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First off, lets recognize that this inflated sense of self-importance origniated in a time where being eaten by dragons and sea monsters was a very "real" threat. Considering one religion the chosen vs all others is going to bring resentment from all of the others. While this is a legal, It does bring about certain consequences. I'm sure if you asked people if they thought their religion was the best, some would say yes, others would say not really, but most would agree that theyd like to keep their religion. Thus most of us can agree to disagree. However i'd like to point out (in my "expert" opinion) why I think anti-semitism has been so prevalent. 1. Jews are very successful which is impressive and respectable. 2. However the way they achieve this brings resentment from those on the outside. Wherever jews go they thrive, usually in the top ends of society. One reason they do so is because their allegiance is largely to other jews rather then the states they live in.
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Rabbi,
You tlak about a sense of humble modesty, and yet the Jewish communities in Western cities seem content to line their pockets and help each other to get rich while poverty and hardship exists on every street corner. Such behaviour is insular, eliteist and greedy, despite your rhetoric. My God does not approve, and if yours does, he cannot be good.
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If being the chosen people brought humility, and you are willing to self righteously proclaim that you are they, and thus somehow above all others in the eyes of god, in what way is genuinely holding that belief humble?
By definition, considering all other the races and all other faiths to be inferior to yours is entirely bigoted.
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Just like Moses. When Moses did something wrong, it was VERY bad, BECAUSE HE WAS MOSES. If a gentile who is raised in a community where there is rampant adultery, stealing, murders, etc., it's not that bad if this person steals. But if a Jew, who knows better commits the SAME EXACT crime, they will pay for it MUCH MORE and society will HURT MUCH MORE, than if the same crime was committed by a gentile raised in a community with low morals and values. So being CHOSEN, carries a lot of responsibility. We (Jews) know better.
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if you can convert to judaism does that mean that you can choose to be chosen, or possibly you are chosen to choose to be chosen, etc. ad absurdum. I live in a jewish area of melbourne and witness the chosen people, dressed in their orthodox costumes, and the feeling that one gets is that they refuse to aknowledge the existence of anyone who does not belong to the club, after all we do not have souls, and we are not one of their gods chosen ones. jews are constantly wondering what is the cause of antisemitism, but they never seem to ask if it is something they are doing. it may stem from their arrogance and contempt for non jews (goyim). and the indifference with which israel murders and destroys the palestinians is nothing other than this arrogance applied tp politics
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Whether or not the Jews were G-d's chosen people is not up for discussion. Either you believe what Torah says or you don't. I've had Christians scream at me, "Why do you think you Jews are the "Chosen People?" It is not done in a loving tone of voice, it is an accusation.
Go to Deut. 7:7 Read it. Swallow it.
Jews ARE God's chosen people NOT because we're so fantastic but because WE ACCEPTED HIS LAWS AND AGREED TO DO ALL THAT HE HAD SAID.
We were not chosen for favors and special blessings; we were chosen to be a nation of priests. We were set aside to do Hashem's work on Earth. Unfortunately, only a handful of us Jews can do that, but there is a small group of us who do what was commanded; the rest of support them so that they can continue to do what needs to be done.
Question answered: Deut. 7:7 And yes, anynymous of melbourn; you can choose to be one of the chosen ones because if you did not already have a Jewish soul, you would not want to join with your people.
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If I already have a Jewish soul what would converting to Judaism acheive. And could you please explain in which way a Jewish soul is different from say a chineses soul or an atheists soul. Are there male souls and female souls handsome souls and fat souls and is my soul mine andif so who is it that owns that soul is it me or my body. Am I in fact different to or identical with my soul can a soul leap from body to body. From a humanist point of view which tries to emphasize the similarities between rather than the differences between people the whole notion of souls of different racial groups is one the keystones of racial discrimination. It is distressing that in the 21st century when tribalism is no longer necessary for survival Jewish children are brainwashed from birth to see thselves as superior to the unclean and morally corrupt goyim
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How ridiculously repulsive.
As absurd as referencing Mein Kampf and suggesting that one read it and swallow it.
The Torah was written 2,500 years ago by a group of men writing under the direction and sponsorship of Hebrew kings whose ambitions for empire vastly exceeded their talents.
Cling to your delusions if you will, but please don't expect thinking human beings to have any more respect for you than we would have for any other fanatical race cult.
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Having a Jewish soul and converting to Judaism go hand in hand. Here is an article which I think clears up some of the questions raised: What Is the Cause of Antisemitism?
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Of course the Jewish people are THE chosen people. Chosen to be of service to the Creator by way of Torah. But I have to ask, when the term 'Jewish' is used is this discussing all of the tribes of ancient Israel? Just the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and the Levites? When the term; "Lost Tribes of Israel" is used who are we discussing then? The descendants of the other tribes? Should all of them be called, Jews? There are references in the midrashim concerning the return of the Lost Souls of Efraim who are beyond the river Shabbatai. Who is this speaking of? Are they converts, or are they distant descendants of the Northern half of ancient Israel? And, is this too difficult to ask? Shalom
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Seldom have I read anything that packs so much hate into so few words. "Fanatical race cult?" Jews are not a cult nor are we a race and I would hardly begin to think we're anything but fanatical. Your hate is clear and I pity you because hatred is a cancer that eats at the marrow of one's bones. And THAT is repulsive.
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Jews didn't invent monotheism or our ethical system. This is a typical Jewish claim but it only takes a few minutes to find out that neither is true.
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The official Jewish stance on the concept of Monotheism is that although we did not invent it, we do accept it in full, while others who'd known of this, rejected it. Many have since modified that concept in their doctrines, and dogmas. It is not that we simply disagree with them; rather it is because we have a written contract not to. To us, this contract is as important as are those who have ageed to it. For those who are not of the Jewish faith, they have a tough time with this concept and many misunderstandings have resulted. As an Israelite, it is my contract with He who has Chosen to agree with me, as I have chosen to agree with Him. To operate my life by the guiding instructions of this contract as best as I can. It is a 4 fold agreement. To those who disagree with my contract, That's fine, you can make your own contract with that which you worship, it doesn't mean that we can't be friends, and help one another in fulfilling them. Mine begins, "..and you shall Love." Does yours?
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I think that was a fair reply.
Jews, Muslims, Christians all begin with and shall love, or love God, love your brother, etc.
It seems to me, a non religious person, that Jews feel superior to others (based on actual inferior feelings?) based on this supposed 'choseness' over others.
This is not unique to Jews however. Every Abramic religion I've ever become familiar with believes the same way.
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Perhaps, it is the other way around? Torah speaks of envy in many ways. When others are envious, it is usually due to low self-esteem not the actions of the person/s they are envious of. In Jewish mystical writings, this is called "The Bread of Shame". Why the enviousness toward Israel? Perhaps, it is because people were mislead into thinking they were not good enough for the blessings of their G-d? There are ways to overcome this without the anger & hate, which misplaced envy brings with it. One of the main ways is to ask of their G-d to bring more blessings to those they are envious of. Shouldn't you want your neighbor to succeed? Those who do not believe in a G-d seem pre-occupied with those that do. Why is that? Why not laugh it off? This fact also reveals truth, that they are desparate to believe but are fearful to admit it. This denial can become so great, that they react with anger , and disdain, or worse toward those who do believe. But I tell you, "G-d can still choose you."
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Anonymous, Pasendena.
Your reply is very interesting and if you adopt all that you say I would not question your closeness to God. However of those Jews that I have met I find there is an extreme streak of arrogance throughout most of their thought, Sorry to disagree. You say it was the jews who brought us the Monoistic Faith and it's morals. I always thought that it was Noah. Jewishness or Judaism which was that chosen by God didn't appear till much later when the population had expanded and the sons of Noah went their separate ways. Noah also gave all people (when we were all gentiles) seven covenants of moral integrity often referred to as The Noahide Covenant. There is a delusion that Jews existed from the creation of Adam and that's just not true. It was Abraham who received the covenant and that was a couple of thousand years later. When Moses received the other commandments the future Judaists were a stiff necked people and still making false idols while Moses was on the mount?
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Arrogance? Noah believed in one G-d. and had a covenant of faith with the Creator, truth. Abraham had a covenant with the Creator also, and the Torah states that he kept All of the laws and statutes, of Torah, before it had been written by the Prophet Moses. Yet, was it the same as the covenant made with Israel at Mt. Sinai? I recall that it is written in Torah that any one or anything that approached the mountain would DIE, unless accepted by the Creator before doing so. To those who weren't invited by the Creator to climb the mountain, it would seem unfair that they were not allowed. If they were envious of this, wouldn't they view those who were allowed to climb it, as arrogant? The truth is that they do not want others to lose their lives, as they did. Have you not read it that the life of spirit is brought about by being Dead to this World? By my death, have I not helped to guaranty the lives of others? If no one on planet earth kept the Holiness of the Sabbath, IT WOULD END.
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Too many Jews see Chosenness as a status, rather than an obligation.
If all Chosenness means to you is that God gave you the land of Israel. and that you are better than Gentiles, then you have a problem.
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Just look at it. NOW READ IT. Go to Deuteronomy 7:6ff.
Wanna argue about G-d choice? Take it up with him.
For the coward who refused to sign his name, the choice had nothing with whether or not we had done anything...he made the CHOICE.
You have met Jews who are arrogant in their thinking. You are privileged to read minds? Or are you just another run of the mill Jew hater?
Sometimes I'm arrogant, most of the time I'm not, just like any Gentile. Have you ever met an arrogant Gentile? Or is it just Jews you find to be "arrogant?"
The Word of G-d is good enough for me.
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Fine explanation by orig article. Jewish faith holds to remembering their origin as slaves in Egypt; the lowest class among the highest. The Lord chose the most humble people to do his greatest Works and deliver the Word into a gentile world of vanity (which is only depravity, tending to self glorification). Opposed to Dualism or Zoroastrianism, Monotheism cultivates humility to understand the Lord's omnipotent sovereignty over all things.
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We are chosen NOT because "we are closer to gd" or elitist. But if you are born with leadership qualities, it is your responsibility to lead properly. We don't lead the world properly today, the Jews do NOT lead good enough today, and that's why we have problems.
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We are NOT chosen to lead in EVERYTHING! We are not chosen to lead in tennis, or perhaps administration.
We are chosen to lead SPIRITUALLY.
And others may lead us, like in building houses, or exercise or nutrition, or something else. To lead, and to be the best leader, and to say, I CAN LEAD, is not elites. It's just leading.
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When we all stood at Mt.Sinai awaiting the law, God saw that the people were ready to receive it. He knew that there were sinners in the group, but overall, they were designated as his people, thus making us Chosen.
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how has Chosenness affeceted the jewish identity, neg or positively, throughout time? I am doing a paper on it and would love input! I am openminded to all responses.
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moses is chosen by G-D and everybody loves and respects him, while we - Jewish people- are chosen by the same G-D but everybody hates us??!
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Israel was indeed chosen to recieve the Torah. They were especially chosen due to their stubborness. It's easier to bring those who already have the light toward the Source, than it is to bring those who are imprisoned and hardened by slavery. The greater the difficulty of the mitzvah, the greater the reward. All those rubies, and emeralds of the world's civilizations; It is no wonder He chose Israel, a lump of coal that He would put under the highest pressures forming the Highest quality of diamond. This is the diamond that is of His Crown. Judge not by tradition, nor appearances. He had made a promise to Abraham, and He has kept it. To those of the lost tribes of Israel scattered among the nations (as gentile vessels) If we trust G-d then let us humble ourselves, and clean our own side of the street before attempting to correct others. It is not my judgement that matters but His. May He temper His with His Mercy, and His Grace. Blessings
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Although the response tries to be polite, which I appreciate, I think it is filled with the same arrogance that the question was suggesting.
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B"H
The one who asks the question may at times, ask it in a leading fashion. Yet, there can be no intent proven. In a courtroom, such questions are inadmissable due to the 5th amendment clause of self-incrimination.
The way of the question, and its' response had nothing to do with any of this, and therefore it remains valid. Arrogance is simply the inability to admit being mistaken, or to have a false sense of superiority out of the fear of rejection, or loss of control.
Arrogance, and Chutzpah are two completely different things. It is okay to have pride in the accomplishments of one's heredity.
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If scripture has any authority, then one has to accept that G-d chose the Jewish people as his particular treasure. It does not mean that all others are not loved by G-d. He loves all people equally. That is why Jews cannot rejoice in the defeat of an enemy; to do so would minimize G-d's love for others.
If anyone wants proof of the fact that Jews are protected by Hashem, all they have to do is keep their minds open and realize that the Jews are the only people in the world who know who they are and where they came from WITHOUT A HOMELAND FOR TWO THOUSAND YEARS. We were attacked by the Arab's joint armies and against all odds, defeated them.
Again, being chosen does not mean that we are in any way "better" than anyone else, at least from this Jew's mind.
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As a gentile, I appreciate the reassurance that the Jewish people are not saying that I'm not important since I'm not Chosen. After all, who can help what their ancestry is? It is what it is. Yet, I feel a closeness to God and feel chosen in a different way (not as a People, of course). I thought that your response to Margaret's question was kind and non prejudicial.
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There are places in The Book (Old testament in bible) Zechariah 2:8, Deuteronomy 7:1 about His people (Israel) being chosen and other places it says they (Israel) are the apple of His eye, and a treasure, Deuteronomy 7:6. Deuto-ronomy 10:12-21 mentions being chosen, and to love and fear Him, and that He loves the stranger, and He commands (Israel) to love the stranger.
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This answers very little as it displays a viewpoint based in arrogance. Especially to the final part of the question.
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The Children of Israel were chosen to receive and carry Torah so that at the end of days Hashem could again make Himself known to the multitudes of those who failed, lost their birthright, and got lost along the way, so as to Light their way back to Unity. Rather than accusing anyone of arrogance, let us instead thank the tiny remnant, the Jewish People, who survived the hatred of the nations -- meaning us failed Israelites, Gentile people, blinded by our glitzy idols -- to hold true to One G-d and His Word; they've needed many miracles to make it this far. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for heroically and selflessly preserving the Instruction Manual to a soul awakened by Hashem, and then freely offering instruction to all without which we would be forever lost. When we ALL carry true Torah in our hearts, arrogance itself will pass away and we will humbly enter a new world together with the reign of Moshiach, G-d grant that day arrive soon. May G-d bless us with His Presence.
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Go to Deuteronomy chapter seven. The Jews were chosen to serve G-d and he, in turn, would protect us. If anyone has a problem with the Jewish people being chosen does not know how to read the scriptures.
Anyone who do not understand why the Jews were chosen needs to read the "why." Gentiles were only meant to keep the seven Noahide laws; we Jews have 613 commandments to keep depending on our position in the land.
If you feel uncomfortable, get over it; you're not arguing with man, you are arguing with the creator of the Universe.
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