Isaac’s Birth: A Prototype Of Jewish Influence On The Nations

Rather than influencing the nations through left-wing politics and destructive forms of entertainment, Jews should be touching the world with the light of Torah.

Because Ashenazi Jews have average IQs around 110 (the highest for any group), high in-group solidarity, a strong work ethic and great ambition, they are bound to have an outsized influence on the world when compared to the less intelligent and more passive goyim of creation.

From the Lubavitch Chumash (based on Likutei Sichos vol. 35, pg. 96ff):

Influencing the nations of the world to serve the One God is a fundamental aspect of Judaism. Both the active and passive effects of Jewish influence are evident at every stage.

a.) Yitzchak was the first person to be born a Jew, so his birth was associated with a positive influence on non-Jews. Sarah had a passive effect — miracles simply surrounded her. Avraham took a more active role, by fathering non-Jewish nations.

b.) Rambam writes that even in our times it is incumbent on all Jewish people to coerce non-Jews to observe the seven Noachide laws (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 8:10). Obviously, this requires an active effort to educate the nations, highlighting the importance of their mitzvos. However, it can be proven from the words of Rambam that this is followed by a second, passive phase, where non-Jews come to a heightened perception of the Noachide code themselves, without direct input from the Jewish people.

c.) The Messianic era begins with Mashiach’s active efforts to perfect the world, including his work with non-Jews, “He will fix the entire world” (ibid. 11:4). However, at some point, this will catalyze into the heightened redemption, where non-Jews will study God’s wisdom of their own accord, without the direct input of Mashiach — as Rambam states, “The entire world will only be busy knowing God” (ibid. 12:5) without the need for Maschiach’s direct intervention.

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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