Question:
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. How is that any different to anti-Semitism?
Sincerely,
Margaret
Answer:
Dear Margaret,
That is a fantastic question -- a question that could only come from someone who is chosen. Allow me to explain.
In the Jewish understanding, chosenness leads not to arrogance, but rather to humility. If it were some human king that chose us to be his special people, then your assumption would be correct -- we would become elitists. When a mortal power shows favoritism towards a subject, that subject will become more arrogant as a result -- the closer you are to the king, the more significant you are, and the more significant you are the higher respect you feel you deserve.
But we were chosen by G-d. And the closer you are to G-d, the more you sense your insignificance. While being buddy-buddy with a human leader inflates your ego, a relationship with G-d bursts your selfish bubble. Because G-d is an infinite being, and all delusions of petty self-importance fall away when you stand before infinity. Being close with G-d demands introspection and self-improvement, not smugness.
This is the idea of the Chosen People -- a nation of individuals who have been given the opportunity to sense G-d's closeness, hear His truth and relay his message to the world. 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.
To say that this is ethnocentric is absurd for one simple reason: anyone from any ethnic background can convert to Judaism and become chosen. Jewish chosenness is not a gene, it is a state of the soul. Anyone wishing to take it upon themselves is welcome -- as long as they are ready to have their bubble burst.
So the arrogant person is not acting chosen. The true test of chosenness is how humble you are. You, Margaret, have passed this test with flying colors. Your humility is so deep, it doesn't allow you to accept that you are chosen. While most other religious groups are quite comfortable claiming that they are the best, we Jews will do anything to say that we are nothing special. Now that's what I call a Chosen People!
There is nothing more conceit-full that a claim of exceptional humility. Make your deeds speak humility - not words.
Please refer to Det.7:7 and you will see that God ( no need to skip letters or appropriate to God strange soubriquets) had chosen these people as a type of a moral Yardstick, 'Am Sgoola (Heb.) a measuring devise, by which He will measure all nations. The chosen people are therefore, nothing but an average of an average ( in statistics we call it standard deviation) not more than that. How Jews ( Rabbi Moss is absolutely correct in stating that Judaism is not a race and it is not genetic) interpreted this 'everagnes' and applied this hermeneutics to their own life had a profound affect on their relationship with gentiles. In other words what counts is your interpretation of Yardstick's (self) importance and how you act on it--the Bible (TaNaC), is neutral.
Woodbridge,Ontario
I am one of the most humble people you will ever meet, but that is ONLY because I have so MUCH to be humble about!<G>.
Seriously, though, I do not think Hashem expects us to be perfect, just to honestly do the best we can. In the Amidah, it says that G-d is quick to forgive, I have to rely on that forgiveness.
Yesterday (Wednesday, May 8, 2013) something happened during our minyan service. The depth of our souls was palpable. We FELT the presence of Hashem as never before. It was as though we were basking in Hashem's love and forgiveness. We all felt it and remarked on it during out post-service learning session.
I just hope that we feel that way each time we gather to give praise to Hashem because we are his chosen.
Texas
My answer to Christians regarding our being the Chosen People is this: Open your bible to Deut. 7:7. READ it and find out WHY we were chosen and WHAT we were chosen for. It was NOT because we are the best people in the world or are better than anyone else because we're not, but we were chosen to fulfill Hashem's COMMANDMENTS.
Jews have 613 commandments; Gentiles have the Seven Noahide laws. We do not have to keep all 613 because some of the commands were for farmers, some that can only be kept in the land of Israel. We were also charged with teaching the world that there is only ONE G-d. If you don't like it, tough, go argue with G-d, not me.
Texas
First question:
If you know that you are the only group of people pointed by G-d himself to carry out a special mission, how does that not make you different from any other group of people or individuals in the world?
And if it does make you different by being singled out by the Creator himself, how does that not make you predilect (better, more valuable, more loved by G-d) from the rest?
Thanks in advance
Santiago
Vista CA
New Mexico, USA
Toronto, ON
los angeles, ca
Isn't it enough that you bash Jews in your church services, even while praying to a Jew.
Remember: ALL were chosen - few chose to listen.
The beginning of Jewishness started from the first person who listened and believed.
Jews have been paying for believing G-d since then!! With their lives, no matter how much good they have done and continued to do for the World.
Vista, California
It is very important to acknowledge separation between religion and politics, and as per our conversation between Israel and Islam alternatively between Jewry and Arab states. Jews, Muslims and Christians ( with minor exceptions) lived over 1000 years in a state of a great peace. The emergence of the Nationality concept that progressed, though belatedly into the establishment of the state of Israel by Slavic converts to Judaism created an rift and unending conflict. Jews,take responsibility for YOUR choices,God is great.
Vaughan, Canada