Chosen for What?

In a well-known quote from Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye gazes heavenward and reflects 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 better or worse, the nations of the world have always been obsessed with the Jewish people. Despite Israel's best efforts to prove itself as a nation like any other, the world continues to treat it differently. This begs the question: What does it truly mean to be the Chosen People?

Yitzchak Rabin, former Prime Minister of Israel, once shared a remarkable experience he had with the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in March 1972. At the time, Rabin served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States and paid a special visit to the Rebbe to convey birthday greetings on behalf of Israel for the Rebbe’s 70th birthday.

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

The Rebbe emphasized the uniqueness of the Jewish nation, citing the verse: “A nation that will live alone” (Numbers 23:9). He then posed a poignant question: “Is it by choice or by force that Israel dwells alone among other nations?”

The Rebbe explained that it was both. The Jewish people's unwavering commitment to the Torah, Jewish faith, and tradition over thousands of years has played a defining role in their identity. Despite lacking a homeland for centuries and enduring persecutions, expulsions, pogroms, and the Holocaust, their adherence to their beliefs preserved their distinctiveness.

At the same time, external pressures reinforced Jewish identity, often preventing assimilation. In moments when a Jew sought to distance themselves from their heritage, external forces reminded them of their Jewishness. The nations of the world inherently recognize that the Jewish people have a unique role, and they do not allow them to forfeit it.

Above all, Jewish faith—the steadfast commitment to Jewish beliefs, the Torah and Mitzvot, and the enduring hope of returning to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel with the coming of Moshiach—has always been the defining factor in Jewish survival. Despite centuries of persecution, the Jewish people have endured in a way no other civilization has. (See here for the video interview with Rabin)

In this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we encounter the commandment to prepare olive oil for the Menorah in the Holy Temple. 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 27:20).

Rabbi Chaim Ibn Attar, known as the Or HaChayim (1696 Meknes, Morocco - 1743 Jerusalem, Israel), notes that the word Tetzaveh, typically translated as command, is derived from the root Tzavta, meaning to connect. Moses was instructed not only to command the Jewish people but to connect with them and help them strengthen their bond with their divine soul, their purpose, and G-d. Similarly, a mitzvah is not merely a good deed or a commandment—it is a connection, linking us to our divine essence, to G-d, and to those around us.

Our sages explain that olive oil represents the pure faith and spiritual potential inherent in every Jewish soul. Oil possesses two contrasting properties: it never mixes with other liquids, always remaining separate, yet it permeates porous surfaces with ease. These characteristics symbolize the Jewish people's dual nature. On one hand, we resist assimilation, preserving our identity amidst the nations of the world. On the other hand, our faith empowers us to illuminate and elevate the world, fulfilling our mission as a light unto the nations.

The phrase “crushed for lighting” signifies that in times of hardship, the deepest faith is often revealed. The Talmud states: “Just as the olive yields light only when it is pressed, so too does a person’s greatest potential emerge under adversity.” Throughout history, this has been demonstrated time and again.

There are times when the "crushing" is external—manifested through persecution and anti-Semitism. These hardships, though tragic, forced Jewish communities to remain distinct and prevented widespread assimilation. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism remains a harsh reality, becoming especially evident in the wake of October 7. However, we still live in a comparatively prosperous era. The primary challenge in our time is to express our inner faith and commitment without external pressure. Our connection to Judaism must not stem from fear or coercion but from an internal desire to embrace our divine mission.

 Being the Chosen People is not about entitlement but about responsibility—the duty to be "a Light unto the Nations," serving as G‑d's ambassadors to spread morality, goodness, kindness, and Divine energy throughout the world.

Today, we are witnessing an extraordinary global reawakening among the Jewish people. Jews from all backgrounds and levels of observance are coming together in an unprecedented display of unity, reconnecting with our heritage in a profoundly beautiful way. It is essential that we not only maintain this connection during challenging times but carry it forward throughout our lives.

Throughout history, the belief in redemption and the coming of Moshiach has often been seen as the ultimate resolution to the struggles of the Jewish people. This belief is one of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith: “Ani Maamin—I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach.” It is a prayer that has been recited throughout history, from Jews marching to the gas chambers with Ani Maamin on their lips to IDF soldiers singing it before battle.

While Moshiach will bring and era of peace and rectify the world’s injustices, the ultimate purpose of his coming is to reveal the world's true potential and divine mission. The need for Moshiach is not only a response to suffering but a realization of our collective purpose. Through this, we will produce the pure oil needed to illuminate the world with the eternal light of redemption.

May we soon witness the safe return of all our hostages, the blessing of peace and prosperity in Israel and around the world, and the dawning of the light of Redemption in our days!