Parsha: A holy nation

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In their fundamental theology, untainted by modern liberal thinking, the other major religions of the world claim that those who do not subscribe to their belief system have no share in the world to come.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published an interesting study at the end of 2008. The subtitle of the survey results was “Most Christians Say Non-Christian Faiths Can Lead to Salvation.” In a sense, those surveyed used their hearts and minds to challenge their religion’s dogma. The only question the responders had was what element of other faiths brought about salvation. Is it based on one’s actions or beliefs? For those surveyed, the jury was still out.

With this background, Judaism seems to be light years ahead; the question of belief versus action is not a question.

The original source (to the best of my knowledge) is the Tosefta Sanhedrin 13:1, which says “The righteous of the nations have a share in the world to come.” While I don’t believe the Tosefta coined the phrase “Chasidei umot ha’olam yesh lahem chelek l’olam haba” (The Righteous of other nations have a share in the world to come) in that exact language, the term is used across the spectrum of commentators. Some contend that the true “righteous gentile” is a non-Jew who accepts and lives according to the seven Noahide laws. Others suggest their righteous deeds alone are merit enough.

While I do not want to enter the discussion of “who is better?” simply because I believe no one is, I believe our actions play a role in defining if we are righteous. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel teaches in Avot 3:17, “Study or discussions need not be the focus, because action is the focus.”

In the verses leading up the spectacle of the Sinai Revelation, G-d tells Moshe to tell the people, “Now if you obey Me and keep My covenant, you shall be My special treasure among all nations, for all the world is Mine. You will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation...”

There are two entities that belong to G-d: the Israelite nation and the world. As a result of being a “special treasure,” Israel has the opportunity to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The implication is other nations are also considered a treasure.

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