Breaking the Myth: Are We a Chosen Nation? Not Quite Sure

There is a perception that the term 'Chosen Nation' expresses racial superiority over other peoples, but in truth, Judaism is far from racist. Judaism welcomes anyone wishing to convert and join the Jewish people, regardless of their country, nationality, or race, as long as they demonstrate a serious commitment to the Torah and its commandments.

The Jewish people are distinct from other nations for having received an important role in leading the creation to its redemption, hence the nation is called 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation'. This role was bestowed upon the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, where a covenant was made between Hashem and the people of Israel for generations, requiring us to uphold the covenant by observing the Torah. Thus, the Jewish people do not claim to be inherently superior to other peoples, except in fulfilling their significant role of guiding creation to its redemption.

At Mount Sinai, the Torah was also offered to the nations of the world, but when they realized that accepting the Torah entailed leaving their comfort zone and entering a realm of obligations, they refused it. The nations received only the 7 Noahide commandments suited to their spiritual structure, while the Jewish people received 613 commandments. Living a life according to Torah commandments elevates one spiritually, creating a closer connection with Hashem. Therefore, Jewish people are considered "sons" to Hashem, as the Sages said, "Beloved are Israel, who are called children to the Omnipresent" (Pirkei Avot, Chapter 3, Mishnah 14).

Just as one cannot claim discrimination between the salary of a doctor, who has invested much effort and time in their studies, and that of a professional who has not made the same educational effort, one cannot claim arrogance or discrimination in the spiritual status of a Jew living according to the Torah's 613 commandments compared to a non-Jew who observes only the basic seven commandments.

What Is the Condition to Be a Chosen Nation?

In the covenant at Mount Sinai, the Jewish people became distinct from other nations through the role given to them, which is the meaning of the term 'holy nation'—a distinct people. However, this covenant, wherein the Jewish people become a 'Chosen Nation' among other peoples, is conditional on obedience to the Torah and its commandments, as stated, "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6), and "You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands, and laws, and that you will obey him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame, and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised" (Deuteronomy 26:17-19).

In other words, failing to uphold their side of the covenant by observing the Torah and its commandments effectively removes a Jew from the covenant, preventing them from becoming part of a 'Chosen Nation'.

Moreover, a Jew who does not fulfill their role is considered to have a lower spiritual status than a non-Jew who observes the seven Noahide commandments. While a Jew has the potential to reach higher spiritual levels than a non-Jew, if they do not fulfill their purpose, one cannot claim they are "better" than a non-Jew, and perhaps even the opposite.