Do we wish for an Exceptional or a Normal state?

Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?

What do we hope for when we consider the Jewish State? Let’s consider our National Anthem:

“As long as deep in the heart,

The soul of a Jew yearns,

And forward to the East

To Zion, an eye looks

Our hope will not be lost,

The hope of two thousand years,

To be a free nation in our land,

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Is that hope to become a free nation like all others, or to become an exceptional lofty nation? I suppose it depends who you ask.

Ben-Gurion is often quoted as having said, “When Israel has prostitutes and thieves, we’ll be a state just like any other.” There is no question that a goal of Modern Political Zionism was to achieve for the Jews no more than any other nation deserves, but surely no less.

But for many, the Jewish State is obligated to become exceptional. It isn’t a new idea. It's literally Biblical. It goes at least as far back as Isaiah 42:6, who prophesied, "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and submitted you as the people's covenant, as a light unto the nations".

Should the modern State of Israel be held to a Biblical standard, or is it enough to be free in our land like everyone else?

Calev moderated this debate between Mike who stood up for exceptionalism and Matt who defends normalcy.

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think!

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

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If you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.

Here are a few more quotations to consider:



Ben-Gurion - “Two basic aspirations underlie all our work in this country: to be like all other nations, and to be different from all the nations. These two aspirations are apparently contradictory, but in fact they are complementary and interdependent. We want to be a free people, independent and equal in rights in the family of nations, and we aspire to be different from all other nations in our spiritual elevation and in the character of our model society, founded on freedom, cooperation, and fraternity with all Jews and the whole human race …”

Herzl - ““I once called Zionism an infinite ideal, and I truly believe that even after we possess our land, the Land of Israel, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism as I understand it includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the aspiration to reach moral and spiritual perfection.”