V'etchanan(Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)

Secret of the Jews

The prophet Isaiah refers to the Jewish people as a "light unto the nations," and it's no secret that Jews have positively influenced the world. As Mark Twain wrote of the Jew:

"His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning, are also way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers."

Think about it. It's one thing for a people to have great influence, but we would never predict this from a nation that is so "few in number." This dichotomy defies all sociological norms.

Even more amazing: This "heavy influence by a small minority" is predicted in this parsha (Deuteronomy 4:27) which declares:

"You shall remain few in number among the nations where God shall lead you."

Indeed, Jewish history has never gone according to the rules. Two thousand years ago, on the day of Tisha B'Av, the powerful Romans destroyed the Holy Temple and exiled the Jews from the land. If you would have told anyone at that time: "I'll bet you that the Jewish people will survive longer than the Roman empire," what kind of odds do you think you could get? A million to one?

But here we are, 2,000 years later, thriving in our land. What is the secret of the Jews?

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Published: Saturday, May 6, 2006

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Visitor Comments: 5

(5) Anonymous, August 10, 2011 11:57 PM

two cents

Indeed, the Jews have positively influenced the world. What is amazing is that those of the other nations not only lack gratitude for it, but also are all too willing to frame the Jewish people in the worst light. Live long enough & you will not be allowed to forget that.

(4) Wilhelm Figueroa, July 19, 2010 3:45 PM

The secret of the Jews

What is the secret of the Jews' immortality? The answer, in great detail, is found in a book called Torah. That is the secret, that is the answer as to how and why we exist to this day despite the million to one odds. Twain's essay appeared in a Harpers magazine article in the late 1890s. It makes for great reading.

(3) Grace Fishenfeld, July 19, 2010 12:29 PM

Responsibility

Jews accept and respect other religions. On one foot, Hillel gave up the secret of the Jews to the world. The Jewish mind and heart is open and understands that individuals can make Choices. Free will gives to the Jewish people the responsibility to follow a productive path. We know that it is up to us to fix what is broken and to help others. It is our law.

(2) Anonymous, July 27, 2009 11:00 PM

I agree 100'/,

(1) Scott Granowski, July 27, 2007 5:15 PM

The Secret

It appears to me that the secret of the Jews is the recognition that adversity is a blessing. History indicates that people grow stronger under adversity and weaker under prosperity. Like the saying goes, "if you haven't suffered in 40 days, you should wonder if God still love you." Tish b'Av is a whole lotta love.

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About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the senior editor of Aish.com and the director of JewishPathways.com. He is also regarded as an expert on media bias relating to the Middle East conflict, and was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com. Rabbi Simmons lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

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