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Jewish World Review Feb. 14, 2007 / 26 Shevat, 5767 Why Study Jewish History? By Rabbi Naphtali Hoff
Lessons for life
“Remember the days of old; reflect upon the years of other generations. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.”
— Deuteronomy 32:7
Why study Jewish history? Simply stated, the study of Jewish history strengthens our national identity and pride, knowing that we are but a link on a mighty chain strengthened through countless centuries.
The Jewish historical record is the longest of its kind, spanning four millennia and countless settings. It has chronicled slavery and freedom, political autonomy in an established homeland and life in exile, emancipation and abject suffering. Through this narrative we analyze past events, gaining a valuable guide for the future.
In truth, the Jewish people pioneered its own unique approach to history, a theocentric model in which G-d serves as the Author, Teacher and Guide.
— Paul Johnson, "A History of the Jews", p. 91 - 92, Harper and Row, 1987
The sacred historian understands that there is a Higher Cause to the events in this world, influenced by a G-d Who acts in history. It is He who ultimately influences historical outcomes. As such, in his study the sacred historian asks this most fundamental question: "In what way do the events being considered fulfill the Divine Plan?"
— ibid, p. 2 To maintain that G-d is the Overseer and Influencer of the entire historical process is very powerful. It adds an entirely new dimension to the study of history, seeing it as a controlled progression leading to a specific destination. Our history is part of our ultimate destiny. History provides us with a roadmap in our quest for eternity, and the tools with which to uncover G-d's goals for mankind.
This powerful idea is also incredibly empowering. We know that we are involved in a pursuit, and that we play an active role in reaching our destination! However, it also demands much of us. The duty to achieve its mission lies squarely on our collective shoulders.
REVOLUTIONARY RELIGIOUS OUTLOOK
When G-d saw the tremendous spiritual longing and self-sacrifice exhibited by Abraham, He made a covenant with his devoted follower — recorded in Genesis chapter 15 — and placed him and his descendants at the very center of G-d's interaction with the world. — Nehemia 9: 7 — 8
G-d chose the Jewish People to serve as a "light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6 ) . With the Torah as our guide, we were entrusted with exemplifying His prescribed religious and moral code to others. He charged us to remind other nations of His active presence in this world, and of our collective need to follow His will.
In the four millennia since, the nation that grew out of Abraham's personal quest has impacted the way in which the world approaches fundamental areas such as understanding G-d, spirituality, the human condition, and Life itself.
— Thomas Cahill, The Gifts of the Jews, p. 240 — 241, Doubleday, 1998
Perhaps the greatest example of our astonishing influence has been the growth of monotheism throughout the world. Before the rise of Christianity nearly two thousand years ago, only the Jewish nation professed exclusive belief in one G-d. Since then, with the spread of Christianity and Islam — two religions rooted largely in Jewish thought and values — monotheism has become the dominant form of belief in the world.
— William Foxwell Albright, The Archaeology of Palestine, Great Britain, Penguin Books, 1954, p. 250
JEWISH IMMORTALITY
— Mark Twain, "Concerning the Jews", Harper's Magazine, 1899 — Leviticus 26:44-45 One of the most intriguing problems confronting historians is the question of Jewish survival. Every power of yesteryear has long disappeared from the historical landscape. Yet, the Jews have survived, and have often thrived. When you consider that the Jewish people have averaged to no more than a mere 1% of the entire world population, the question of our survival becomes even more perplexing.
Compounding the issue is the set of circumstances that our nation has endured. In all of human history, seldom has an entire nation been exiled out of its country. Multiple exiles are practically unheard of. No nation has ever survived exile with its national identity intact. Based on the "rules" of history the Jewish people should have been destroyed many times over or, at the very least, absorbed into other nations. How is it that we have managed to defy this trend? What is it that ensures our ability to continue on this incredible odyssey?
The answer is that our survival is in no way contingent upon our physical and numerical strength. Had it been so, we surely would have vanished from the world long ago.
Close to 350 years ago King Louis XIV of France asked the great French philosopher Blaise Pascal to give him proof of the supernatural. Pascal answered, "The Jews, your Majesty, the Jews."
We are an 'Eternal Nation'. [ Isaiah 44:7] Our survival has been directly linked to our covenant with G-d, and our commitment to Him and His Torah. Such commitment is the sole guarantor of our national survival. In the words of the Talmud, "The People that is tired out by intensive Torah study will not be delivered into the hands of her oppressor."(Talmud, Sanhedrin 94b) — Leo Tolstoy, 1908
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JWR contributor Rabbi Naphtali Hoff teaches at the Ida Crown Jewish Academy and serves as Associate Principal at Yeshivas Shearis Yisroel in Chicago.
© 2007, Rabbi Naphtali Hoff | ||||||||||
