Jewish Faith Passion for Meaning

¶ … Jewish faith [...] passion for meaning in the concepts "God" and "Justice" in Judaism. How do these relate to the idea of Jews being the "chosen people?" The Jewish faith created a new way of looking at God and justice, and helped from the basis of other monotheistic faiths, such as Christianity and Islam. Their beliefs lead them to the conclusion they are God's chosen people, created in His image and in all His glory.

In Judaism, God, or "Yahweh" is all-supreme and any other powers are subordinate to him. Jews were truly the first monotheists, who worshipped one, all-powerful God, and this helped lead them to the conclusion they were the "chosen people." Their God was a merciful and caring God, who intervened for them when it was necessary. He was a righteous God who cares about the welfare of the Jews. However, because God cared about them did not make them his chosen people. Rather, the Jews believed that he gave them "unique challenges" which led to their belief they were chosen. Their history seems to prove this point, as throughout their history, the Jews have been victims of exile, persecution, and many other "unique challenges" that have tested their faith and proved they can overcome anything God seems to throw at them - even the Holocaust. Thus, in their belief and meaning of God, they prove, in their own faith, that they are the chosen people and have a unique view of history and events surrounding themselves and those around them. God is the ultimate Supreme Being for them, and as such, he defines their lives, what is right and wrong, how they react, and who they are as a people. He gives them the strength to meet challenges, and the faith that when they meet them, they will survive, no matter what.

The Jews passion for meaning extends to justice, as well, and it is intertwined with their beliefs about God. God does not approve of injustice, and God chooses prophets to speak out against injustice he sees in the world. Thus, God represents a loving, kind, and good man, but He is also a just man, and therefore, his chosen people must be just and fair as well. They also saw great meaning in all the happenings around them, and felt God was sending them a message to act justly and if they did not, they would pay the price. Justice and morality ensured their stability and so, they maintained the standard of justice and gave it premier meaning in their lives. They understood they must be merciful and just, and that they must suffer, as well. To be the chosen people is not easy, they have to live up to the task, and their meaning and belief in God and justice helped them feel worthy.