What Is the Role of the Jewish People in This World?

When we think of Brazilians, we associate them with joy and soccer; the Japanese - discipline and determination. What about the Jewish people? What is their purpose? To produce great scientists? To be at the forefront of innovation and technology? To hold a powerful nation and military? To be a respected businessman or merchant?

The major purpose and even the definition of the Jewish people is their good behavior, understanding, willingness to help others, connection to the Creator, humility, and patience (Yevamot 79a: "There are three distinguishing marks of this nation, they are compassionate, bashful, and perform acts of kindness"). Originally, this is what set apart our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the first Jews in history, from the rest of humanity. We should strive to emulate them.

Many will argue that we are not examples of good behavior, that a flight to Israel looks like a jungle, that Jews feel too comfortable in public spaces, among other things. This may be true in some cases, but if it happens, it means we are not living up to our potential.

Why Is It Worth Investing in Building the Human?

Besides for connecting to Hashem, our goal is to participate in building a better world. Humanity will have a happy ending, but the question is how will we get there and what will we face beforehand.

This happy ending draws the course of history like a magnet standing at the end of times. Just as there is a magnetic field in space, at the northern part of the Earth that pulls the compasses worldwide, there is also a time magnet at the end of history, pulling towards it those hearts wishing to partake in building a perfect world.

We must be aware that we are part of a grand plan to construct an ideal world, where all humanity will be composed of good people who will know and live in the image of Hashem. A world where evil will have no right to exist, and everyone will engage in acts of kindness. A world where humans will no longer judge or exploit one another, but understand and help each other.

It is evident that not everyone participates in this process- only those who choose to enter the magnetic field of good and be drawn to the magnet of the end of history. Those who do not choose this path will miss the opportunity to be part of building this world.

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