Chosen for What?

In a well-known quote from "Fiddler on the Roof," Tevye gazes heavenward and ponders on his many misfortunes, "Dear G-d…I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?" 

For good or for worse, the nations of the world have always been obsessed with the Jewish people. Despite Israel's best efforts to prove that it is just like any other country, the world will always treat Israel differently. Indeed, what does it mean to be the Chosen People?

Yitzchak Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, shared a remarkable experience he had with the Rebbe, Rabbi M.M. Schneerson, in March 1972. At that time, Rabin served as Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. and paid a special visit to the Rebbe to convey birthday greetings on behalf of Israel in honor of the Rebbe’s 70th birthday.

Their discussion covered various crucial topics, including Israel’s security, the importance of enhancing Jewish education, and Israel's unique role in the world. The conversation delved into the sense of isolation that Israel was experiencing globally.

The Rebbe emphasized the uniqueness of the Jewish nation, quoting the verse “A nation that will live alone (Numbers 23:9)”. "Is it by choice or by force that Israel dwells alone among other nations?" the Rebbe asked.

The Rebbe explained that it was a combination of both. The Jewish people's deliberate commitment to the Torah, Jewish faith, and tradition over two thousand years played a pivotal role. Despite lacking a country of their own and enduring persecutions, and the phenomenon of the 'Wandering Jew' who was always on the move because of the inquisitions, expulsions, pogroms and, and the Holocaust, their adherence to their beliefs preserved their uniqueness.

Simultaneously, external pressures reinforced Jewish identity, preventing assimilation. And in instances where a Jew was embarrassed of his or her Judaism, external influences forced their Judaism upon them. For the nations inherently understand that the Jewish people have a unique role to play in this world and they will not allow us to forfeit it.

But the foremost factor was always the Jewish faith, our adherence to our Jewish beliefs, the unwavering adherence to our beliefs, and the hope to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. Regardless of all the persecution, the Jewish people  succeeded in surviving as no people anywhere in the world have proved successful in doing.

In this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh, the commandment to prepare olive oil for the Menorah in the Holy Temple is introduced. The verse states, “Ve’ata Tetzaveh- and you shall command the children of Israel, and they shall take to you pure olive oil, crushed for lighting, to kindle the lamps continually (Exodus Chapter 27:20).”

The Or Ha’chayim, Rabbi Chaim Ibn Attar (1696-1743), points out that the word “Tetzaveh,” typically translated as command, is derived from the word Tzavta, meaning to connect. Moses was instructed to connect with the Jewish people and help them connect with G-d and their divine mission. Similarly, a Mitzvah is not only a good deed or commandment, but, most importantly, it is a connector which helps us connect with our divine soul, G-d, and the people around us.

Our Sages explain that the oil represents the quintessential faith and spiritual potential that every Jew possesses within his or her soul. Oil exhibits two contrasting qualities. Firstly, it never mixes with other liquids and consistently remains separate. Conversely, it permeates everywhere, particularly on porous surfaces. These dual characteristics symbolize the faith and purpose of the Jewish people. 

On one hand, we steadfastly resist assimilation, preserving our identity amidst the nations of the world. On the other hand, our faith empowers us to profoundly influence the world, permeating all aspects of society and serving as “a light unto the nations”.

The concept of “crushed for lighting” represents the ideas that especially in challenging moments our deepest faith emerges and shines.

The Talmud explains that, “Just as the olive yields light only when it is pounded, so are man’s greatest potentials realized only under the pressure of adversity.” There is, however, a difference between the manner in which this idea applies in the present generation and the manner in which it was expressed in previous generations.

In earlier eras, the "crushing" was external, manifested through persecutions and anti-Semitism. This external pressure physically crushed the Jewish people, but revealed their inner G‑dly core. The persecution and imposed restrictions compelled the Jewish people to acknowledge their inherent distinction, preventing widespread assimilation.

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism is still prevalent, as evident in recent months. Despite this, we currently live in a comparatively prosperous era compared to earlier generations. The challenge in the present era lies in expressing our inner faith even when not facing external pressure. While we appreciate the freedom and opportunities available, we must internally commit to staying connected to our Jewish heritage. This commitment should stem not from guilt or coercion but rather from an appreciation and dedication to our divine mission.
 

We are currently witnessing an unprecedented global reawakening among our people, a phenomenon not seen over millennia. Jewish individuals from all walks of life and levels of observance are coming together, reestablishing a connection with our shared Jewish heritage in a profoundly beautiful manner. Let us ensure that we not only maintain this unity and connection during these challenging times but carry it with us throughout our entire lives.

Throughout much of history, the anticipation of redemption and the coming of Moshiach has often been viewed as a solution to the various challenges faced by society in general and the Jewish people in particular.

The belief in the arrival of Moshiach is one of Maimonides' thirteen principles of faith: "Ani Maamin, I believe, with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach," and it is reiterated many times in our daily prayers.

Jews, facing unimaginable circumstances, marched to the gas chambers with the song of Ani Maamin on their lips. In Communist Russia, Jewish refuseniks, despite giving up hope of leaving the Iron Curtain, fervently prayed for Moshiach. IDF soldiers sing this special prayer before engaging in battle or embarking on risky missions.

While Moshiach is anticipated to address the world's problems, the ultimate goal is to reveal the true purpose of this world. The need for Moshiach arises not from desperation and persecution—an external "crushing"—but rather from an internal necessity to express and connect with our true purpose and life goal. Through this, we will produce the "pure oil" for the light of redemption that will "kindle the lamps continually" for eternity.