These additional resources that we have culled from around the web are meant to enhance the NLE Morasha Syllabus class entitled, The Chosen People We are certain that these resources can help you further impact your audience! If you know of any additional resources that we should add on to this page, please let us know by contacting us here.
Articles
The Chosen People by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Many people (including Jews) are uncomfortable with this idea. They perceive the concept of a “Chosen People” as racist and mindful of the Nazi concept of a supreme “Aryan” nation. It appears to contradict the accepted Western ideal of all people being equal before God.Is the Jewish concept of choseness racist?
The Chosen People from SImpleToRemember.com
Answers to questions such as: are all men equal? and what does it mean to be Chosen?
Jewish Attitude Toward Non-Jews from Judasm101.com
Because of our acceptance of Torah, Jews have a special status in the eyes of G-d, but we lose that special status when we abandon Torah. Furthermore, the blessings that we received from G-d by accepting the Torah come with a high price: Jews have a greater responsibility than non-Jews. While non-Jews are only obligated to obey the seven commandments given to Noah, Jews are responsible for fulfilling the 613 mitzvot in the Torah, thus G-d will punish Jews for doing things that would not be a sin for non-Jews.
The Chosen People from TorahAtlanta.com
So what makes the Jewish claim of being the chosen people any different than the claims made by other nations?
The Chosen People from NewLondon.org
It should be clear, then, that this choseness does not negate the relationship of others to God. Israel is the pioneer, but the pioneer is the first, not the last.
The “Chosen People” by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
The chosenness of Israel and its designation as a holy people — at least as understood and interpreted by Maimonides — are based solely upon its observance of God’s commandments. There is no inherent notion of superiority — genetic or otherwise– in Israel’s being the chosen people. The Jews were chosen for special responsibility and obligation, not for special privileges.
Links
Record Number of Israeli Jews Believe in God from Haaretz.com
The study also found that 70 percent of respondents believe the Jews are the “Chosen People,” 65 percent believe the Torah and mitzvot (religious commandments ) are God-given, and 56 percent believe in life after death.
Ask the Rabbi: Chosen People from Ohr.org
Jews have not been chosen to control other nations. Rather, we have been chosen to act as an example of morality for the nations of the world and to instruct them in the teachings of ethical monotheism.
Chosen People by Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim
I ask, “what does ‘chosen’ imply”? I would say that one who has merited distinction based on his own acts, and is ascribed credit by another, may be termed “chosen” by the other.Does this compliment apply to each individual Jew?
What Does it Mean that the Jews are God’s Chosen People by Rabbi Alan Lurie
The Jewish concept of the “Chosen People” is not a badge of superiority and separation. Quite the contrary: Jewish chosenness is a humble call to action and responsibility.
Why are the Jews Called the Chosen People? from AskMoses.com
For the Jew, being chosen means that G-d ought always be a factor – nay, thefactor – when you make your choices. Being chosen is the awesome responsibility and tremendous privilege of introducing the world to its Creator and inviting the Creator to live amongst His creations.
How are the Jews the Chosen People? from JewishAnswers.org
It’s important to remember a few things when thinking about “Chosenness”. For example, Judaism doesn’t suggest that non-Jews are somehow doomed or unable to achieve an afterlife. They also can be part of the eternal world-to-come, by following the Torah’s guidelines for their lives.
The Chosen (Last) People from JewInTheCity.com
The idea that the Jewish nation considers itself to be the “chosen people” is something that rubs many people the wrong way. Such a term smacks of elitism and supremacy. Do we Jews really believe that we have some innate quality that makes us a “master race?”
Yes, We Are We the Am Hanivchar? By Dovid Lobl
This invariably sets us up for a very paradoxical double standard. We are always looked upon with what may seem a double standard, but I humbly think that it’s how we are supposed to be looked at. I mean, after all we are the “chosen people” and we do have a higher moral standard then the rest of the world.
Are we Still the Am Hanivchar? by Rabbi Herschel Schachter
After so many centuries of persecution we understand very well the question of the Jewish people (in the haftorah of parshas Eikev), “Has Hashem forsaken us? Has He forgotten about us?”
Audio
The Chosen People by Rabbi David Aaron
What is the meaning of the chosen people?
The Chosen People by Rabbi Binny Freidman
Did you ever feel uncomfortable with the concept that we are the chosen people?
The Chosen People in an Age of Political Correctness by Rabbi Hayyim Angel
Am I supposed to look down on non-Jews because we were chosen? What does being chosen mean?
The Chosen People! Chosen for What? by Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff
Once we figure out what we were chosen for we can understand the role of the Jewish people in history.
Rambam on Why the Jewsh People Were Chosen by Rabbi Netanel Wiederblank
Why did Hashem chose us as to be the chosen people? What is the reason for bechiras Yisroel?
Videos
Choosing to be Chosen by Mrs. Devorah Stieglitz
Parashat Bo: To Separate Between The Chosen Nation And Others by Rabbi Mordechai Finkelman
Inner Dimensions of Chosenness By Rebbitzen Tziporah Heller
The Chosen People by Rabbi Daniel Korobkin
Heart to Heart=Malchus=Chosen for Torah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber
Please note: The views expressed in the articles, links, videos, etc. reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the thinking of NLE Resources.
