The Complex Legacy of Jewish Influence and Isolation

We can gain wisdom by learning from our enemies. Their perspective on us can also lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. As King David writes in the Psalms, “My enemies make me wiser.”

Perhaps the greatest illustration of this is found in the eloquent prose of the anti-Semitic gentile prophet Balaam, who was commissioned by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Jewish people.

A verse that stands out for its beauty and profundity reads:

"As I see them from the mountain tops,

Gaze on them from the heights,

There is a people that dwells apart,

Not reckoned among the nations".

What makes this verse even more intriguing is its apparent ambiguity. At first glance, it’s unclear whether it is a blessing or a curse.

Is it truly a blessing for the Jewish people, or anyone, to live apart or alone? Doesn't human nature and society desperately need fraternity for a healthy state of existence?

Perhaps this is a primary factor behind the oldest hatred known to mankind, causing immense pain and suffering to the Jewish people throughout the millennia!

Again we refer to the text, and let us focus on the opening of the verse: 

“As I see them from the mountain tops, Gaze on them from the heights”. 

The deeper layer of meaning beneath the words ‘mountain’ and heights’ refer to our ‘patriarchs’ and ‘matriarchs’. 

Balaam conveys a timeless message to both friend and foe. He highlights that the Jewish people, descendants of the patriarchs and matriarchs, introduced ethical monotheism to the world. These individuals, alone in the world, were responsible for trailblazing a universal and timeless moral code for all humanity.

This profound sense of responsibility empowers us to be influencers and trendsetters throughout history. At the same time, it is paramount that we maintain a deep sense of conviction and moral clarity to ensure our message to the world is accurately communicated.

Indeed, this balance captures both the challenge and the opportunity of being a Jew today.

On the surface, it might seem that we dwell apart from the rest of the world in our beliefs and behavior. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that through our role as positive influencers throughout the ages, the Jewish people are perhaps the most integral part of society.

The Jewish people both transcend history and shape it simultaneously.

We are a people who dwell alone, yet we are never lonely!

Yosef Vogel