Thursday, 26 September 2013 (or Friday, depending where you were in the world) was Simchat Tora- the rejoicing of and in the Tora. On that holiday, we read the last section of the Tora and immediately start anew with the first. From Zot HaBracha (Deuteronomy 33-34) to Breishit (Genesis 1-6:8).
Zot HaBracha is the section providing the blessings that Moshe (Moses) gives to the children of Israel. And, then climbs his mountain to see all of Israel- to the sea, to the Negev, to Lebanon…And, dies.
Interestingly, Moshe is first described as a man of G-d. But, when he is dying, he is described as a servant of G-d. What’s the difference? A man of G-d is one who stands for things that the Supreme Being does. Who works diligently to help guide others. But, a servant- a servant belongs wholly to his master, who is indistinguishable from his master. Moshe achieved that perfection- even with his one missing the mark.
Which brings up another factor- one that has been in the news lately. And, comes into relief as we read the Tora from the first words again.
The chosen-ness of the Jews. Why? What does that really mean?
Hashem created the earth- and the first person(s) was Adam/Chava (Eve). Hashem created Adam (and from Adam, he created Chava)… Who Hashem expected would live in the Garden of Eden forever. But, there were early inklings of that failure.
Adam was given the chance to name the animals. But, he was still lonely and bored. Which is exactly why Hashem created Chava for him. But, it turned out Adam wasn’t quite what Hashem had “in mind”. Good, but not perfect. But, as I’ve always said, the Tora is the story of our lives- how we learn to live with others, and how Hashem learns to abide us. Hashem no longer talks to us directly, which makes it tougher to figure out exactly what Hashem would think is best- but also leaves us with the freedom to do…
Then, Noach (Noah), ten generations after Adam. He is described as a simple, honorable man for his generation… (That meant that Noach did good things, but did not try to help his fellow humans to do good things or to follow the ways of Hashem.) OK, Hashem can accept that- but still… And, Hashem then sees the other folks in this new generation- after he starts anew with Noach’s family. Ten more generations beyond Noach…and he is still unimpressed. Until the birth of Avram, who seeks out Hashem and Hashem honors, changing his name to Avraham, and making him a promise to create from his progeny a chosen people.
A people chosen to illuminate the way for the world. A people chosen to lead the quest for perfection of the world. A people chosen to share their knowledge of the Supreme Being and its ways with everyone. And, unfortunately to earn the enmity of many others- leading to their persecution and torture. Yes, the Jews persevere. To illuminate the way. The true definition of ‘Exceptionalism’.
I’ve always been a believer in the concept of American Exceptionalism. (Of course, if a certain party keeps ruining the middle class, that will never survive.) It’s why I was involved in voter registration drives, in politics, in changing government policies (VietNam, the poor, the sick, etc.). But, it’s the definition I gave above that pertains to Judaism.
Maybe President Obama, the Democrats, and the Republicans can learn from this, too.
This was very good reading. I think perhaps you give the government and the president a little to much credit. After all its hard to learn when your mouth is going and no break is taken from proven what incompetent jacks they all are.
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That was among the better laughs I had this morning.
I have “enjoyed” a few of the interviews provided our politicians lately; where the question is about X and the answer relates to 345…
Roy,
Have you read the book “Thou Shalt Prosper” by Daniel Rabbi Lapin? It’s on my reading list, and I have heard that it is a fascinating glimpse at the principles of why the Jewish people tend to be very good at making money. . . and how we can learn from those principles.
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I did read his book- and do not consider myself among his fans. I find that sort of discussion way too akin to the “prosperity churches” for which I have little affinity, as well.
I would be more impressed if Lapin stressed the need to follow the ethical and ritual laws (there is no difference among the Orthodox) – paying your employees first and always in a timely fashion, not putting impediments in front of those who can’t see (that is both literal and figurative), remembering your body is holy and you can’t run after everything you see (that’s the concept behind Kashrut), etc…
Thank you for sharing your perspective and allowing me to see things from a different view.. Another great article – Thanks Roy!!
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Glad to oblige, Jaime. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Very well written, and an understandable viewpoint Which I believe, is part of the story. We are taught that the Jews were the chosen people but that changed somewhere along the line. Personally, I believe that we are all chosen if we will in fact do what is asked of Jehovah. I no longer believe that it is up to one race of people to “Illuminate the way of the world” but it is up to all of us that
understand we are more that what we see in this life.
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I am all for folks leading the way. As long as the way does not include hate, accepting one religion as the only religion, killing as a way to purify the world, and starving the poor to pamper the rich, William!
From my perspective, Americans have always talked Christian better than they’ve acted Christian – which is, I think, part of the definition of exceptionalism – most unfortunately.
Thom…
I am not an expert on this, for obvious reasons, but I think that’s true of more than just Americans…
And, yes, we talk exceptionalism and then act contrary to that sentiment.
Thanks for the visit and the comment.