Double Standards

The Special Role of the Jew

by Andreas Wittenstein

David ben Gurion, the founder of Israel, though himself a secular Zionist, wanted Israel to be “a light unto the nations”. Most Israelis today, repulsed by the antics of fundamentalist חֲרֵדִים kharédim, have given up that lofty goal and just want to be normal people living normal lives in a normal country. But by abdicating power to the extremists, they have let Israel plunge into the abyss. Israel has succeeded in becoming a light unto the nations all right. But instead of a towering beacon showing others the way, it's a humble flashing red light warning others away.

In the Middle East today, war, hatred, and fear have reduced Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs alike to beasts, committing unspeakably inhumane atrocities in the name of freedom, security, and justice. To say that one is right and the other is wrong is wrong. Neither side is right. Both sides are wrong, wrong, wrong. But to justify Israeli atrocities by Palestinian atrocities is worse. Because when a Jew commits the same atrocity as a gentile, it's much worse. No, not because of anti-Jewish prejudice. Because of the Jewish covenant. When a gentile commits an atrocity, it's a disgrace to humanity. But when a Jew commits the same atrocity, it's חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם khilul haShém —a disgrace to God.

Contrary to popular misunderstanding, being a Jew confers no great privilege. On the contrary, being a Jew is a heavy obligation. Of all the 613 commandments in the Torah, just the first 7, the Noahide commandments, apply to everyone, Jew or gentile. All the rest apply to Jews alone. Accepting the covenant of “God's chosen people” does not guarantee us a place in heaven, nirvana, or a happy hunting ground. If anything, following God's commandments guarantees us Jews another generation in the karmic cycle on Earth, where we get to spend yet another lifetime helping God repair the world.

By accepting the covenant of Judaism, we agree to be God's torch-bearers, to walk with God, to live by the Book. Like it or not, we are supposed to set an example. For ordinary people, committing a sin is a sin, and that's that. But for Jews, by the principle of מַרְאִית עַיִן mar’it ‘ayin, the mere appearance of committing a sin is nearly as bad a sin as actually committing the sin. God judges Jews not just by our actions, but by the effect our actions have on others. As ethical role models, our actual sins and our apparent sins alike are multiplied by all those who follow our example.

Jews are supposed to live by a double standard. One standard of behavior for gentiles, and a much higher standard of behavior for Jews. Is that fair? No. Is it spiritually rewarding? Try it.

—from our May 2002 Newsletter

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