I want to talk to you about who we are as a people, where we come from, and what our purpose is. You’ve probably heard the terms Hebrew, Israelite, and Jew used interchangeably, but have you ever wondered why? Let’s dive into our history and find out.
Our story begins with Abraham, who is called "Ibri," meaning "from the other side." This name comes from the fact that he migrated from the east side of the Euphrates River. Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, was also given the name Israel. So, Jacob's twelve sons and their descendants became known as the Children of Israel, or Israelites. The term Jew comes from Judah, one of Jacob's sons and the most prominent of the Twelve Tribes. Over time, the descendants of Judah became known as Jews, especially after the Kingdom of Judea survived the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Today, we call ourselves Jewish, our faith Judaism, our language Hebrew, and our land Israel. We trace our lineage back to Abraham, who lived about 3,800 years ago. Abraham’s monotheistic faith and his covenant with God defined our people. This covenant wasn’t exclusive; Abraham and his descendants were eager to attract others to their faith.
As our numbers grew and we accepted the Torah as our Divine Constitution, we became more than just a family—we became a nation. We spoke a common language, shared memories and destiny, and lived in a specified geographic area. Despite this, we always saw ourselves as an extended family. Membership in this family is passed through the mother, but it’s also open to anyone who wants to join us through conversion.
Even though families can be exclusive, ours was never meant to be. We aimed to reach out to the world. When the central sanctuary in Jerusalem was built, it was meant to be a "House of Prayer for all peoples." Despite our emphasis on our unique identity, we have always embraced a universal vision. Our people include those of various skin colors and cultural backgrounds, yet we all share a strong sense of kinship.
This kinship is not just about religion. Even Jews who rebel against our faith still feel a connection to their heritage. This connection is more mystical than rational, and it’s one reason why historians and sociologists find it hard to categorize us. We are not just a race or a religion; we are a unique people.
We believe that every nation has its divine purpose. Even though we are small, our history is deeply intertwined with that of other nations. We have witnessed, shaped, and suffered through many key moments in human history. Despite often being treated with bias and prejudice, Jews and Judaism have made significant contributions to the world, especially in social justice, science, and philosophy.
The Torah emphasizes our role in bringing blessings to all families of the earth. This mission is not about making everyone Jewish but about bringing everyone to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and the values He revealed to us. This is the essence of our existence and why we have survived and thrived despite numerous challenges.
Whether we are devout believers or skeptical of our divine mission, history shows that we cannot simply become like any other nation. We have a unique role to play, and it’s something that even our skeptics can’t fully escape.
In conclusion, our story as Jews is one of faith, resilience, and a sense of divine purpose. We see our mission as bringing blessings to all peoples and perfecting the world under God's reign. This mission gives meaning to our history, our struggles, and our successes. It’s a story of survival and contribution, and it’s a story that continues to unfold with each generation.
