Universalism

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A Vision of Universal Sovereignty

TANAKH

The ultimate sovereignty of God over the entire earth and the unification of all people under one divine name is a profound vision of universalism. The Book of Zechariah, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets, envisions a future where all nations recognize and invoke the one true God.

And GOD shall be sovereign over all the earth; in that day there shall be one GOD with one name.

Zechariah 14:9

Jonah's Unique Mission

COMMENTARY

Jonah is unique among the prophets for being directly commanded by God to deliver a message to a foreign people. The Book of Jonah recounts the prophet's mission to the city of Nineveh, highlighting the theme of universalism in God's concern for all nations.

Jonah was connected to his tribe in other ways as well. Even though many others – Amos, Isaiah, Obadiah, Nahum, among others – prophesied about nations other than Israel, only Jonah was instructed by God to travel abroad and deliver His message directly to a foreign people: “Rise, and journey to Nineveh, that large city, and call out to her, for her iniquity has come before me” (Jonah 1:2).

Tribal Lands, Chapter 7; Zevulun 39

Optimistic Universalism in Reconstructionist Thought

JEWISH THOUGHT

Eliezer Berkovits evaluates Reconstructionist universalism, which is deeply optimistic and rooted in the quality of universal being identified with the godhead. This perspective, influenced by Enlightenment theology, integrates modern scientific and psychological insights to emphasize human experiences and aspirations.

In bringing to a conclusion this presentation of Reconstructionist theology, we may point out that its characteristic feature is a mood of optimism, of “trust in life and in man.” The optimism is intuitively derived from “the quality of universal being,” which is called divine and is identified with godhood. One may say that Reconstructionist thought is a variation on the religious theme of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; it is a form of natural religion. The very title of Dr. Kaplan’s latest work, Judaism Without Supernaturalism…

Major Themes in Modern Philosophies of Judaism, CHAPTER 5; Reconstructionist Theology; A Critical Evaluation 1:27

Torah as the Sole Inspiration in the Messianic Era

COMMENTARY

One perspective is that the Mashi’ach will inspire the world solely through Torah, without the influence of wealth or non-Torah knowledge. This contemporary study contrasts the visions of King Solomon and the prophets Isaiah and Micah regarding the Messianic era.

It seems that Yeshayahu and Michah present an alternative to Shlomo HaMelech’s vision of universal outreach. The Mashi’ach, these prophets teach, will inspire the world with Torah and Torah alone. Wealth and non-Torah knowledge will not play a role in drawing the nations of the world to Jerusalem to seek guidance from Melech HaMashi’ach.

From David to Destruction, The Rise and Fall of Shlomo HaMelech, Shlomo HaMelech and the Messianic Ideal 10

Emulating Divine Compassion

MUSAR

Internalizing love for all people, including evildoers, by focusing on their good qualities and recognizing their potential for righteousness, reflects their inherent worth in the eyes of God. Rabbi Moses Cordovero’s 16th-century kabbalistic ethical work, Tomer Devorah, emphasizes emulating God's attributes, particularly compassion and love for others.

The second: He [should] accustom himself to internalize the love of people into his heart - and even the evildoers - as if they were his brothers, and even more than this; until he fixes the love of all people into his heart. And he [should] even love the evildoers in his heart and say, "Who will give that they all be righteous penitents, and all be great ones and desirable to the Omnipresent," like the statement of the trusted friend of all of Israel. He stated (Numbers 11:29), "and who will give that all of the people of the Lord be prophets…

Tomer Devorah 2:23

The Exaltation of the Holy One

KABBALAH

The Zohar envisions a future where all nations will seek the guidance of the Holy One, blessed be He, as the sole celestial ruler. This foundational Kabbalistic text, traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, explores deep mystical insights and esoteric interpretations of the Torah.

Thus “the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains… and all the nations shall flow unto it”. For, whereas now all the other nations have Chieftains in heaven to rule them, at that time the Holy One, blessed be He, will remove those Chieftains and depose them from their sovereignty, as we read, “the Lord will punish the host of the high heaven on high” (Ibid. 24, 21). And when all these are removed the Holy One alone, blessed be He, shall be acknowledged mighty, as Scripture says: “And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day” (Ibid. 2, 11)…

Zohar, Pekudei 24:228

The Dual Identity of Jews in Exile

COMMENTARY

Jews have a unique dual identity, maintaining their distinctiveness while contributing to broader societies, which is part of their mission to disseminate a universally relevant document. Rabbi Francis Nataf explores how Jews balance their distinctiveness with their contributions to the societies in which they live.

And whether it was God’s original intention or not, the so-called “wandering Jew” is an almost ubiquitous feature of our world. The Jews are a nation that maintains its own identity in exile even as it assumes much of the cultural trappings of its hosts. Indeed, Jews don’t only resemble their gentile neighbors, they often take a leading role in their societies. A Jew is both a Jew and a universal man. This unique situation is perhaps the result of being the spokesperson for a document that is meant as much for universal consumption as it is for Jewish consumption.

Redeeming Relevance; Exodus, CHAPTER 3 Exile, Alienation and the Jewish Mission 53

Sacrifices for the Seventy Nations

TALMUD

According to Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's reading of the Talmud, the sacrificial offerings during Sukkot were intended to atone for the sins of all seventy nations of the world, promoting universal peace. The Talmudic tractate Sukkah discusses the symbolic significance of the seventy bulls sacrificed during Sukkot and the single bull sacrificed on the Eighth Day of Assembly.

Rabbi Elazar said: These seventy bulls that are sacrificed as additional offerings over the course of the seven days of Sukkot, to what do they correspond? They correspond to the seventy nations of the world, and are brought to atone for their sins and to hasten world peace. Why is a single bull sacrificed on the Eighth Day of Assembly? It corresponds to the singular nation, Israel.

Sukkah 55b:9

Universal Respect and Kindness

GUIDES

Treating all people with respect and kindness fosters peace and avoids enmity. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, a modern commentator, elucidates the practical halakhic enactments that promote justice and peace for all individuals.

The Sages instituted enactments concerning the purchase of land from those who seize it unlawfully. Several others were instituted because of the desire to increase peace and avoid enmity. Included in this category are the halakhot requiring one to treat sinners, and even gentiles, in the same manner as one would treat a Jew in good standing.

Introductions to the Babylonian Talmud, Gittin, Introduction to Perek V 7

Universal Spiritual Elevation

RESPONSA

The ultimate goal of the Torah and its commandments is the improvement of the soul through virtuous character traits and faith in the Creator, accessible to all people, including non-Jews. In his responsa, Maimonides (Rambam) addresses the spiritual status of non-Jews, emphasizing the importance of character and faith.

And with regards to your question about the nations: Know this: 'G-d desires the heart.' And following the intent of the heart -- those and only those are the things [that count]. For this reason our Sages of blessed memory said "The righteous ones of the nations of the world have a share in the World to Come" - if they achieved that which is fitting to be achieved of the knowledge of the Creator (may He be blessed) and improved their souls with good traits. There is no doubt that anyone who improves their soul with optimal fitness of the character traits and optimal fitness of wisdom and…

Iggerot HaRambam, Teshuvat She'elot 9

Abraham's Universal Hospitality

MIDRASH

Abraham's home was not just a dwelling but a beacon of universal hospitality and spiritual teaching. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, recounts how Abraham provided for both the physical and spiritual needs of all who passed by.

In Beer-sheba Abraham dwelt many years, and thence he endeavored to spread the law of God. He planted a large grove there, and he made four gates for it, facing the four sides of the earth, east, west, north, and south, and he planted a vineyard therein. If a traveller came that way, he entered by the gate that faced him, and he sat in the grove, and ate, and drank, until he was satisfied, and then he departed. For the house of Abraham was always open for all passers-by, and they came daily to eat and drink there…

Legends of the Jews 1:5:207

Promoting a Moral Society

HALAKHAH

Jews have a responsibility to promote the Noachide Code and foster a positive moral climate among non-Jews. Rabbi J. David Bleich discusses the importance of teaching the Noachide Code to ensure a moral society, benefiting both Jews and non-Jews.

Cognizance must be taken of yet another aspect of our concern. Despite the absence of a specific obligation to influence non-Jews to abide by the provisions of the Noachide Code, the attempt to do so is entirely legitimate. Apart from our universal concern, fear lest "the world become corrupt," as Rambam puts it, is also very much a matter of Jewish concern and self-interest. Disintegration of the moral fabric of society affects everyone. Particularly in our age we cannot insulate ourselves against the pervasive cultural forces which mold human conduct…

Contemporary Halakhic Problems, Vol II, Part II, Chapter XVI Teaching Torah to Non Jews 68

Universal Values in the Weekly Torah Portion

TANAKH

Rabbi Sacks masterfully articulates the Jewish foundation of universal values while maintaining a proud and dignified Jewish identity. In his final compilation of essays, Rabbi Sacks explores a different Jewish belief in each weekly Torah portion, demonstrating how these beliefs can resonate universally.

Rabbi Sacks’ spiritual genius and passionate intellect influenced and inspired entire generations. His innate, God-given power of expression gave voice to the contribution of Judaism and the State of Israel to humanity at large, while lovingly representing Judaism’s history and moral code. Over the years, he became a master articulator of the Jewish foundation of universal values, unapologetically verbalising a proud, dignified Jewish identity. He reached across the aisle and across different religions; he brought the Torah down from the heavens – to the smartphone generation…

I Believe; A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible, Foreword; Faith, Leadership, and Legacy 7

God's Universal Accessibility

COMMENTARY

God is accessible to all nations, not just those originally called by His name. Ibn Ezra, a medieval Jewish commentator, provides insights into Isaiah 65:2, emphasizing God's openness to all who seek Him.

I have spread out my hands, etc. According to R. Moses Hakkohen, the preceding verse refers to all nations, as if God said, Even to nations that are not called by my name, I was accessible, but as regards my people I have spread my hands to receive them.

Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 65:2:1

The Role of Converts in Perfecting Humanity

JEWISH THOUGHT

Converts play a unique role in enhancing the Jewish mission of perfecting humanity. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, a prominent Jewish thinker and the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine, explores the spiritual and ethical contributions of converts to both the Jewish people and the nations they come from.

The Torah of Israel is an exception to this rule, for it only yearns to get to the mighty purpose of the perfection of humanity, and it is ready for this with all of its tools, whether they be tools of ethics, actions, or history. Therefore, true, it is improper to accept converts easily, and they are “as difficult for the Jewish people as a blister”, which is because they are necessarily missing that naturally [inculcated] nationalistic program that is the foundation of the love and upholding of the Torah…

For the Perplexed of the Generation 8:12

Love the Stranger

TANAKH

The moral imperative to befriend and empathize with the stranger is rooted in the Israelites' own historical experience as strangers in Egypt. Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah, emphasizes the importance of kindness and hospitality towards strangers, reminding the Israelites of their own past.

You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:19

Justice Beyond Borders

SECOND TEMPLE

Philo of Alexandria argues that justice and equity should extend to all individuals, regardless of their race or nationality. This Hellenistic Jewish philosopher harmonizes Jewish ethical teachings with Greek philosophy to emphasize the moral imperative of treating others justly.

[147] it did not despise the weakness of the unclean, nor permit the clean to employ strength rather than justice. Those whose souls have ears can almost hear it speaking plainly in a voice loud and insistent that we should do no wrongs to men of other nations, if we can accuse them of nothing save difference of race, which is no matter for accusation, since nothing which is neither vice nor springs from vice is liable to any impeachment.

On the Virtues 27:3

A Vision of Universal Worship

LITURGY

The Aleinu prayer envisions a future where all humanity recognizes and worships God, eradicating idolatry and establishing God's eternal kingship. This prayer, recited at the conclusion of the three daily Jewish services, reflects Jewish eschatological beliefs and hopes for universal recognition of God's sovereignty.

Therefore, we will hope to You L·rd, our G·d to see speedily the glory of Your Might - to remove abominable idolatry from the earth & the false gods be utterly terminated, to repair the world with the Kingship of the Al·mighty. And all living flesh will call in Your Name to turn back to You all the wicked of the earth. They will recognize & will know, all the inhabitants of the earth, that to You that every knee shall bow down, & every tongue. Before you they will kneel & bow down & give honor to Your glorious name & they will all accept the yolk of Your Kingship…

Siddur Edot HaMizrach, Weekday Mincha, Alenu 3

Universal Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty

CHASIDUT

The recognition of God's sovereignty by all beings underscores a universal acknowledgment of HaShem as King. Rabbi Nathan of Breslov’s Likutei Tefilot offers deeply personal prayers that reflect on God's creation and sovereignty.

“May every created being know that You created him, and may every formed being understand that You formed him, and may all that has breath in its nostrils say, ’HaShem, God of Israel, is King and His sovereignty rules over all!’” May Your simple unity be revealed to all people through Your nation, the Jewish people, whom You chose as a unique nation among all the nations on the face of the earth. “You are One and Your Name is One, and who is like Your nation Israel, a unique nation on the earth?”…

Likutei Tefilot, Volume II 2:86-89

Relatedראו גם

Chosenness

Peoplehood

Jewish Identity

Converts and Conversion

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