Special Destiny

Bilaam had done some serious investigation of the Jewish people from various vantage points. Miraculously, his intentions to curse turned into blessings.

One of the blessings is very significant for the Jewish people. This was when he said, הן עם לבדד ישכון, “They are a nation that dwells apart.” The Rabbis comment on this and said that when the Jewish people rejoice, they rejoice alone, and the rest of the world is sad. And when the Jewish people mourn, the rest of the world rejoices.

Before the giving of the Torah, Moshe explained that Am Yisrael had a special destiny in the world. He asked the nation if they were prepared to accept this special destiny. They agreed and it was explained further that only the Jewish people had the potential to become a holy nation, ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש, “a nation of priests and a holy nation.”

We must not minimize our unique role in the world. It is upon us to teach all that is good and sacred. It is a heavy burden placed upon us, but this was part of the original covenant.

We must never forget how special it is to be part of Am Yisrael. We are fortunate for our lot and we must appreciate it.