* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
At a time when the results of the election are still not entirely clear, it is worth remembering that there is one choice that is eternal: God’s choice of the Jewish people. We are not only a people who choose; we are God’s chosen people.
We have a role to play in the world with a unique perspective and a powerful story. Being chosen gives us strength and is a comforting reminder during turbulent times when we swing between hope and disappointment.
Here is what we read this past Shabbat morning in the Haftarah, from the words of the prophet Isaiah, in synagogues throughout the Jewish world:
“But you, Israel, My servant,
Yaakov, whom I have chosen.”
God tells the people of Israel that He has chosen them, again and again:
“I said to you: You are My servant,
I have chosen you - and I have not rejected you.”
I choose you, God tells us, and I will never cast you out or grow tired of you. There will be no repeat elections every few years. My choice of you is eternal, for you have been entrusted with the mission of bringing My Torah to the entire world.
May it be God’s will that, amid all the uncertainty surrounding the elections, we remember the certainty of being chosen by Him.
