We find this idea woven throughout Jewish tradition, particularly when we explore the concept of being a chosen people. But what does it really mean to be chosen?
The book of Sifrei Devarim – a legal midrash on the book of Deuteronomy – sheds some light on this. It quotes Deuteronomy 18:5, which speaks of the Cohein, the priest: "For in him did the L-rd your G-d choose from all of your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the L-rd, he and his sons all of the days." The Cohein, set apart for sacred service.
But the idea extends beyond the priesthood. Psalm 135:4 echoes this sentiment, saying, "For Yaakov has the L-rd chosen for Himself, Israel, as His chosen one." Here, the entire nation is brought into the fold of being chosen.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Sifrei Devarim goes on to interpret the verse "For a holy people are you" (Deuteronomy 14:2). It suggests that this holiness is even greater than that of our forefathers. A bold statement. And it doesn't stop there. The text continues, "and in you has the L-rd chosen...your own holiness," and "to be unto Him a chosen people from all of the peoples." This teaches us that each righteous individual is as beloved to the Holy One, Blessed be He, as all the nations of the world combined! Wow.
Could it be, then, that we are more beloved than even Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov – our patriarchs?
Sifrei Devarim quickly clarifies, citing the phrase "from all the peoples that are on the face of the earth." This is interpreted to mean "from one end of the earth to the other," implying a vast, encompassing love that doesn't necessarily surpass that given to our founding fathers. It's about the breadth of the love, not necessarily the depth compared to the patriarchs.
Finally, there's this fascinating variant interpretation: "from all the peoples...and do not cause another people to become holy." What does that even mean? It suggests that our chosenness doesn't come at the expense of others. It's not about exclusivity or superiority, but about a unique relationship and responsibility. We aren't meant to convert everyone, but to live as a light unto the nations (Isaiah 49:6).
So, what are we left with? The idea of being chosen is complex, multi-layered, and profoundly humbling. It's not about being better than anyone else, but about the unique relationship and responsibilities that come with being part of the covenant between God and Israel. It calls us to holiness, to righteousness, and to remember that each individual, in their own way, reflects the divine spark. And perhaps, most importantly, it reminds us that being chosen isn't a privilege to be hoarded, but a calling to be shared through acts of kindness, justice, and love.