How Judaism Shaped Humanity: From Sinai to the Universal Belief in One God

It’s a well-known truth that the majority is not always right. Often, the minority may hold the truth while the majority follows error. Still, Jewish tradition teaches, “the end of truth is to prevail.” Even the Torah states, “follow the majority” (acharei rabim lehatot), which means that the opinion of the majority carries a certain weight in determining truth.

If Judaism is the true faith, why has it remained the religion of such a small people while other religions have spread to billions? Shouldn’t the entire world have already recognized Judaism’s truth? Why did it remain the inheritance of one small nation while other faiths took hold across continents?

A Universal Message Beyond the Jewish People

The answer can be divided into two parts.

Unlike other religions, Judaism never claimed to be the faith of all humanity. The 613 mitzvot of the Torah were given only to the Jewish people, and non-Jews are not even permitted to observe them fully. Judaism also does not actively encourage conversion; in fact, Jewish law requires us to initially turn away those who seek to convert, and only accept them if their desire is genuine and enduring.

Additionally, the universal truth of Judaism has in fact reached all humanity. Judaism contains two layers: one particular to Israel, and one universal, intended for all people. That universal layer is the belief in one God and the moral framework of the Seven Noahide Laws — basic ethical and spiritual principles given for all of humankind. These ideas spread outward from Judaism and became the moral foundation of much of the world.

Over 3,300 years ago, at Mount Sinai, the Torah was given in a world that was steeped in idolatry. Only the Jewish people believed in a God who is one, without body or form. Humanity at large was not ready for such a concept. Centuries later, however, other monotheistic religions arose. They borrowed the central idea of one God from Judaism and carried it to hundreds of millions.

Although they added interpretations and even distortions, the essential belief in the Creator spread across the globe. In this way, the universal dimension of Judaism — the oneness of God, did “conquer” humanity. Today, idolatry has all but disappeared, replaced by a global recognition of divine unity.

Preparing the World

Of course, Jews do not need the world’s approval to maintain their faith, but Judaism also has a responsibility toward humanity. At Sinai, the Jewish people were commanded to spread awareness of the Seven Noahide Laws. Moreover, this is central to the vision of the Messianic era. As Maimonides (Rambam) writes, one of the Messiah’s tasks is to “perfect the world, bringing all people to serve God together.”

History shows that step by step, humanity is becoming more prepared for this vision. The collapse of communism — one of the last great ideologies of absolute atheism, was another milestone. A system that glorified disbelief crumbled like a house of cards, removing yet another barrier to humanity’s recognition of one God.

Now, the world is ready. What began over 3,300 years ago at Mount Sinai is nearing its completion. The universal message of Judaism has spread to all corners of the globe. All that remains is for the Messianic era to arrive, when the world will unite in the service of the Creator, speedily in our days.