An exploration of how the Jewish people can fulfill their divine mission to influence the world not through power and numbers, but through self-diminishment and focusing on elevating others rather than building themselves up.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question about Jewish purpose and influence in the world. The speaker begins by examining the verse in Deuteronomy 7:7 that states Hashem (ה׳) did not choose the Jewish people because of their great numbers, as they are the smallest of nations. Various commentaries are explored, including the Rashbam who suggests this refers specifically to the seven nations of Canaan, and the Seforno who interprets it as meaning Hashem didn't choose them for His own glory. Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation becomes the focus, reading 'lo merubbechem' not as referring to actual numbers, but as an attitude - 'you don't make yourselves great.' This leads to the core insight: true influence comes not from projecting power and asking people to 'join us,' but from diminishing oneself and focusing entirely on elevating others. The speaker contrasts this with failed movements throughout history, including Hitler's initial success through promising to make others great, which ultimately collapsed when it became about serving the regime. The paradigm is illustrated through Avraham Avinu, who influenced thousands not by asking them to join his cause, but by focusing on making them great. Similarly, Moshe and Aaron, despite their humility (anivut), were able to forge 600,000 people into a nation. The message extends to contemporary outreach efforts, warning against the attitude of 'join our group and be saved' versus genuinely facilitating individual growth. The Targum Yonatan's distinction between 'umma' (political entity) and 'amim' (people) reinforces this theme - the Jewish mission isn't to become a powerful political force, but to serve others on a personal level. This approach answers the troubling question of how such a small people can influence the world: not through numbers or power, but through genuine service and focus on elevating others. The speaker concludes by distinguishing this from proselytizing - the Jewish mission is to help people perfect themselves and draw close to God, not to convert them to Judaism.
Rabbi Zweig challenges Freudian psychology by arguing that the basic human drive is not pleasure-seeking but rather the painful awareness of non-existence, and explains how only a relationship with God can provide the feeling of true existence and simcha.
An exploration of the deeper meaning of 'amirah' (saying) as empowering others by recognizing their uniqueness and building meaningful relationships through authentic, individualized communication.
Devarim 7:7
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