A Light unto the Nations

Key Findings:

A brief history alone of the phrase “as a light of nations” (from Isaiah) evidences its contributions to the shaping of Jewish identity. This phrase is described as a prophecy that the Jewish people have taken on: the duty to do good in the world by following the Torah. This phrase was modernized by the Reform movement and became “a light unto the nations”, emphasizing Israel as an exemplary, ethical role model to all nations. David Ben-Gurion further cemented the phrase’s meaning 

The 13 answers in this issue serve as an exploration of the power this phrase carries, and what it means to each one of the contributors. Most of the answers echoed a similar sentiment– that Israel is undeniably a light, an exemplary feat. However, a few answers offered the opinion that it is a poor example to the world.

Israel is an exemplary nation:

Mark Charendoff, publisher of Sapir Journal, argues that Israel leads the world in many areas and therefore is a bright example for other nations today. He emphasizes its leadership in the tech and medical industries, and politically, he emphasizes the country’s progressive and benevolent nature. He uses a few examples to support his answer, including the 14,000 Ethiopian Jews in 1991 that were brought  into Israel in 36 hours, as well as the election of a female prime minister in 1969. 

Israel is not an exemplary nation:

Michael Walzer, professor at Princeton University, argues that the best test of sovereignty is how a nation treats strangers– and that any state that meets this test is a light unto other nations. Walzer states that the Jewish state has fallen short in this regard because it has never had to rule over any other people but its own (something other nations have had to do, he claims). Thus, he characterizes Israel as having much progress to make.