We often hear the Jewish People referred to as the "Chosen People".
Chosen by who for what?
Is the idea hubris?
Bigotry?
This theme has been as source of conflict, prejudice, and pride - in spite of the fact that it has been almost universally misunderstood.
Rabbi Yaffe's frank discussion occurred on Sunday October 26th at 8:00 PM in Yury's Piano Shop, located around the corner from the historic Adams Street Shul, in Newton, Massachusetts.
The springboard for the discussion is Tevya's famous line in Fiddler on the Roof: "I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?"
The source texts for the class are: Genesis Chapter 12, Exodus Chapter 19, Isaiah Chapters 56 & 66, Taana Devei Eliyahu Rabbah Chapter 9, and Maimonides's Mishnah Torah Laws of Kings, 12, halacha 5. A letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe is also cited. (Visit AdamsStreet.org to print a handout with these texts.)
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The Adams Street Shul is an orthodox synagogue located near Boston, Massachusetts. We are now in our second century of service to the community.
Your donations to support our educational programs and their online availability are greatly appreciated.
For more information, or for additional videos, visit us at
AdamsStreet.org