Torah Study > Chapter 7: Universalism and Particularism > Text 4

In what way does the persistence of anti-Semitism in the world or
the ongoing threats to the State of Israel’s survival hinder the Jewish
people’s ability to fulfill the prophetic mandate to care for humanity,
regardless of race, creed or religion?

Has the establishment of the State of Israel made the Jewish people
safer in the world or have reactions to it put Jews more at risk?

How does the contemporary perspective related here help us underst
stand the tension between the particularistic pull and our universalist
tic calling?

To believe that it is the Jewish people’s obligation to make unique contribbutions
to the world does not imply that others cannot also make unique
contributions. Indeed, just as it takes a village to raise a child so it takes
all peoples to repair the world. An analogy is a ball game. It takes a team
to win a game. One person is called upon to be the pitcher, and one the
catcher and one the first baseman and so on. Each one has a unique role
to play. Each one is different, and yet it is precisely through this difference
that each makes a unique and invaluable contribution to the welfare of the
whole. Indeed, it is only when each player does what they do best that the
team can play to its maximum potential. Not being who you are, not playiing
your position, jeopardizes the whole.

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How does it feel to think that you have been called upon to assist the
world in its ultimate redemption and perfection (tikkun)?

Can you feel a special calling without feeling superior to others?

What is the role of others in the world if you have this calling?

 

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