Yom Kippur 2026: The Jewish people are chosen - but not because they are better - opinion

Rabbi David Golinkin examines the concept of the chosen people in Jewish liturgy and scripture, arguing it has been misunderstood by both detractors and Jewish chauvinists. He explains that the Hebrew verb 'bahar' indicates selection for a specific task, not superiority. The article outlines four tasks for which Jews were chosen: teaching monotheism, observing Torah, pursuing justice, and being a light to the nations. Golinkin emphasizes that Deuteronomy 7:7-8 states God chose Israel out of love, not because of their size or merit.

Rabbi David Golinkin, president emeritus of The Schechter Institutes, examines the concept of the chosen people in Jewish tradition, arguing it has been widely misunderstood. He focuses on the prayer 'Ata Behartanu' from the High Holy Day liturgy, which states God chose Israel from among all peoples. Golinkin traces the concept to the Torah, citing Exodus 19:5-6 and Deuteronomy 7:6. He notes critics such as historian Arnold Toynbee and writer Yosef Hayim Brenner, who wanted to remove the concept from the prayer book. Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's Reconstructionist movement did alter the blessing. Golinkin argues the Hebrew verb 'bahar' indicates selection for a specific task, not inherent superiority. He outlines four tasks from Isaiah and Genesis: teaching monotheism, observing Torah and mitzvot, pursuing social justice, and being a light to the nations. He cites Deuteronomy 7:7-8 to argue God chose Israel out of love, not because of their numbers. The article concludes that Jews also chose God's covenant at Mount Sinai, quoting the midrash about God offering the Torah to all nations.