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- Title
Judaism and humanity.
- Authors
Cowen, Shimon
- Abstract
Humanity is defined in Noahide thought by its relationship to selftranscendence, that is, in the personal stance of the individual, capable of "imitating" G-d. This transcendence or sovereignty over the material self and its transformation into the service of G-d is demanded, in an absolute degree, of the Jew and, in variable degree, of the Noahide. Barbarism, on the other hand, is the "principled" rationalization of passion and particular interest into an absolute, and the negation of self-transcendence or a higher, self-critical conscience. The service of the Jewish and non-Jewish peoples (humanity) proceeds from levels of achieved self-transcendence by each, whereby both become conscious of their spiritual tasks in achieving the purpose of creation: Jews with their commandments and Gentiles with the Noahide laws achieve the ongoing work of refinement and transformation of creation. In this, the Jew and Gentile can be conscious partners in a cooperative endeavour because both relate to a common concept of Redemption, the manifestation of transcendent G-dliness within the creation. It is important, however, to appreciate the interplay of roles between Jew and non-Jew in this partnership. The innerworldly civilizing function of the Gentile peoples is carried out through the Noahide laws, but this is oriented by the transcendent beacon of the Jewish people. The Noahide relates to the Divine Torah in terms of its instructions for conduct within the world; whilst Jewish tradition, proceeding from the giving of the Torah at Sinai, relates to the transcendent essence of the Torah, such as to be able to interpret it, generally and in novel applications to the world. Similarly, by hosting and assisting the Jewish people in their service, associated with a drawing of transcendent G-dliness into the world, the nations experience great blessing, accessing the miraculous Providence of transcendent G-dliness Itself.
- Subjects
HUMANITY; NOAHIDES; SOVEREIGNTY; LEGAL status of Jews; TRANSCENDENCE (Philosophy)
- Publication
Journal of Judaism & Civilization, 2005, Vol 7, Issue 5765-66, p43
- ISSN
1329-9476
- Publication type
Article