Makom Israel Teachers Lounge

Do we wish for an Exceptional or Normal state?What do we hope for when we consider the Jewish State? Let’s consider our National Anthem:“As long as deep in the heart,The soul of a Jew yearns,And forward to the EastTo Zion, an eye looksOur hope will not be lost,The hope of two thousand years,To be a free nation in our land,The land of Zion and Jerusalem.”Is that hope to become a free nation like all others, or to become an exceptional lofty nation? I suppose it depends who you ask. Ben-Gurion is often quoted as having said, “When Israel has prostitutes and thieves, we’ll be a state just like any other.” There is no question that a goal of Modern Political Zionism was to achieve for the Jews no more than any other nation deserves, but surely no less. But for many, the Jewish State is obligated to become exceptional. It isn’t a new idea. It's literally Biblical.  It goes at least as far back as Isaiah 42:6, who prophesied, "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and s