Did G-d create the universe and all that it is for the sole benefit and use of mankind or more specifically, for the Jewish people? If the answer is for the Jew’s benefit, then what is it that separates Jews (in the eyes of G-d) from the rest of humanity?
Hi! Thank you for your thoughtful question. I’ll be as brief as the subject permits. The sefer Derech haShem by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato has a much fuller treatment.
Our Sages teach that G-d created the universe in order that he should be able to do kindness for the people in it. He wanted to have a relationship with his creations in which they could absorb all the kindness that they are capable of receiving. The nature of that ultimate kindness, the World to Come, is that we should have as much connection to G-d as is possible for us.
The whole purpose of our existence here and now is to develop in ourselves the ability to be connected to G-d, that we should be able to enjoy the World to Come properly. And the means of that development, built and engineered into the system, are the mitzvos of the Torah. They are 613 vehicles for us to perfect our connection to G-d.
As man was originally designed, all of humanity could has chosen to be part of this connection. Unfortunately, most people and most nations chose otherwise, starting with Adam haRishon, first man. Most have preferred to pursue their own interests in this world to developing a closeness with Hashem. This continued through the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, where only Yisroel chose to serve G-d. All other nations chose to remain outside the system.
Therefore, from that time on, the purpose of the world is indeed only for Yisroel, that is, only for the nation who chose to serve G-d. If people from other nations decide to draw close to him, they can join Yisroel, but can only serve him in a limited way otherwise. In any event, every one of humanity is rewarded for whatever he does to be close to G-d.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach
So since G-d is infinite in space and time, knowing all that was, is and will be, He therefore knew at the time of creation that the universe would be created for the Jewish people alone. But other than the fact we alone choose as a nation to serve G-d by doing His mitzvot, there must be some other reason by which we are special to G-d. My question is, what is that reason?
I don’t understand your question. Our father Avraham chose to serve G-d, and we followed in his footsteps agreeing to serve him at Mount Sinai. What could be more special than that? I don’t think that G-d started off wanting to do kindness for this one and not for that one. He would like to do kindness for everyone. Those who chose to accept that kindness are now able to receive it.
Michoel Reach
So you are saying the only difference between a Jew and a nonJew is that we have chosen to serve G-d through Torah Mitzvot. Then a Jew who does not follow Torah Mitzvot is not a Jew but is a nonJew. I dont know, I feel in my heart there must be something more to being a Jew than the priviledge of doing Torah Mitzvot. I hope I make my lack of understanding understandable to you. Thanks for your time and patience.
I didn’t mean to imply that that’s the only difference today. That choice was made at the time of Avraham, and finally at the time of the giving of the Torah, by each of the nations of the world. It is no longer up to individual choice. A Jew who does not keep the Torah is still part of the Jewish people (though of course he is not pulling his weight). He is special to G-d because of his membership in our nation, though he is not yet manifesting his specialness in the fullest fashion. The way a non-Jew today can choose to be a full servant of G-d is by joining the nation that serves him. They can serve G-d from the outside, too, but it’s not the same.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach