YONATAN HAMBOURGER/TZALI REICHER: What it means to be chosen

Witnessing the resurgence of blatant anti-Semitism evokes a sense of disillusionment among Jews and compassionate individuals from all backgrounds, highlighting that humanity’s oldest form of hatred remains as evident as it has ever been. This resurgence confirms that while the reasons and excuses for anti-Semitism may change, the fact remains that many would like to be rid of the Jews.

Recently, age-old anti-Semitic tropes meant to distort the truth and fuel division are making a resurgence. Jews are being accused of “Jewish supremacy” and hatred toward non-Jews. These claims, however, are more than just incorrect; they are a gross misrepresentation of the core values of Judaism. Our purpose in this discussion is to explore what Judaism really has to say about the relationship between Jewish people and the people around them.

To understand the truth, let’s begin with the book of Genesis (1:26) wherein God states, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” In the words of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, the most influential rabbi in modern history, “The reason God created man from a single being is so that all people will know that they descended from the one and same single progenitor, a fully developed human being created in the image of God, so that no human being could claim superior ancestral origin. Thus, we can cultivate a real feeling of kinship in all interhuman relationships.”

So how does that square with the idea that God refers to Israel as “His people” (Deuteronomy 7:6); His “treasured possession” (Psalm 135:4), and even the “apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8)? The Torah tells us that God tasked the Jewish people with building a particular type of society with its unique heritage, beliefs and behaviors. But this is not a contradiction to the concept that all humans are created in the divine image, for every individual and every nation and religion has its divine tasks.

This idea is often misunderstood and used by detractors of Jewish people to create a false idea that Jewish people believe they are superior to the rest of the world. It doesn’t mean that Jews are inherently superior to others. Rather, it means they were chosen by God to fulfill a unique mission: that “Nations shall walk by Israel’s light and kings by the glow of Israel’s radiance” as stated by the Prophet Isaiah (60:3).

This mission comes with a high level of responsibility, not privilege. Jews are required to follow 613 commandments (mitzvot) and to hold themselves to a rigorous ethical standard. Being “chosen” is about what Jews are obligated to do, not about claiming superiority over others.

God deemed that it was not enough for the Jewish people to observe the unique commandments given to them. He also instructed them to cultivate the moral standards of their neighbors and fellow citizens. In fact, God laid out laws for all of humanity, not just the Jewish people. These laws are known as the Noahide Laws because they are universal laws to be followed by all of Noah’s descendants and by extension, all of humanity. They offer a comprehensive framework for leading a moral and virtuous life. Adhering to these laws significantly enhances the quality of life in our world, making it a more joyful, peaceful, and moral place to live. It is worthwhile to note that these laws are compatible with Christianity and Islam.

These universal Laws encompass essential principles that offer profound wisdom and practical guidance for life. In their simplest form, these laws include (1) reliance on the singular source of life, your loving and attentive Creator; (2) expressing gratitude to the Divine through thought, speech, and prayer; (3) striving to improve the lives of others, recognizing that saving one life equates to saving the entire world; (4) respecting the sanctity of human relationships and cultivating a culture of love and dignity, particularly within family life; (5) embracing a life of generosity and contentment; (6) being accountable for the welfare of all of creation, including animals and the planet; and (7) promoting a system of genuine justice and charity, encouraging others to act with fairness and generosity.

Judaism does not preach that Jews are superior to non-Jews. It teaches that Jews have a special covenant with God that brings with it a unique set of responsibilities. Importantly, Judaism has never sought to impose its beliefs on others. Unlike many other religions that have conducted crusades, inquisitions, holy wars, or terror attacks to spread and impose their faith, Judaism respects the paths of others and has never encouraged conversion or forced adherence.

All religions, by their nature, believe their path to be true; otherwise, people wouldn’t choose to follow them. Judaism is no different. Jews believe in their path, just as others believe in theirs. But the reality is that Jewish people have always coexisted peacefully with others, advocating for justice, fairness, and righteousness in all interactions.

The Jewish legacy is one of love, unity, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all. We should be coming together to uphold these values, not allowing falsehoods to tear us apart. In the Jewish worldview, everyone has a place, everyone has value, and everyone is part of a greater plan for peace and goodness. We are each God’s children, and we each have an essential role to play in improving the world.