בס”ד
The Rebbe’s Teachings on the Role of Jews and Non-Jews in the World
In 1977, the Rebbe delivered a public discourse (sicha), later published in connection with Parashat Noach. This Torah portion addresses humanity as a whole, before the Jewish people existed. The core message of the Rebbe’s talk is:
“The completeness and fulfillment of a non-Jew is achieved through a Jew.”
This lesson applies to both Jews and non-Jews:
- Jews are called upon to look beyond themselves and uplift the world.
- Non-Jews can achieve spiritual growth, but their ultimate fulfillment is connected to Jewish influence.
This does not imply Jewish superiority but rather highlights a unique spiritual role.
The Image of G-d and Human Dignity
The Rebbe begins by quoting Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers):
“Man is beloved because he was created in the image of G-d.”
This raises two important questions:
- Does “man” refer only to Jews or to all people?
- What does “the image of G-d” mean?
According to some commentaries, including Tosafot Yom Tov, “man” refers to all of humanity, emphasizing that Judaism does not consider non-Jews inferior. Every person possesses an intellectual soul (nefesh ha’sichlit), but there is a fundamental difference:
- A Jew’s soul naturally seeks spiritual connection and divine truth.
- A non-Jew’s soul is more focused on worldly matters and self-interest.
This distinction is not about intelligence or wisdom but about the soul’s orientation.
The Role of Jews in the World
The Rebbe references Maimonides (Rambam), who teaches that Moses was commanded to instruct the entire world in the Seven Noahide Laws. This underscores the Jewish responsibility to guide non-Jews in their spiritual development.
By understanding this, we see why the Mishna addresses both Jews and non-Jews. The message is universal—Jews are not meant to live in isolation but to serve as a spiritual influence on the world.
The Nature of Intellect
The Rebbe explains that intellect naturally seeks understanding, but it does so based on personal perspectives and assumptions. This can lead to different, sometimes contradictory, conclusions.
History has shown that pure intellect, when disconnected from moral and spiritual direction, can justify destructive ideologies—such as the intellectual rationalizations behind Nazi Germany’s atrocities.
The Rebbe distinguishes between Jewish and non-Jewish intellect:
- Jewish intellect is inherently refined and seeks higher spiritual truths.
- Non-Jewish intellect is more connected to the material world and is therefore more susceptible to ego and self-interest.
This is not a moral judgment but rather a difference in function and purpose.
The Purpose of These Differences
- The Jewish soul strives for divine connection and spiritual elevation.
- The non-Jewish soul is tasked with refining the material world and establishing an ethical society.
The Rebbe emphasizes that a non-Jew who follows ethical and moral principles can achieve spiritual growth. However, true wisdom is attained when they follow divine commandments not just through logic but by recognizing them as G-d’s will, as taught to Moses. According to Rambam, only then do they connect to an absolute source of truth.
Conclusion
The Rebbe’s message is clear:
- All people are created in the image of G-d—both Jews and non-Jews.
- Jews have a unique spiritual role and a responsibility to uplift the world.
- Non-Jews can achieve spiritual growth, but their ultimate fulfillment is connected to Jewish guidance.
This aligns with the broader idea that the world is preparing for the coming of Mashiach—a time when all of humanity, Jews and non-Jews alike, will reach a higher state of consciousness and spiritual fulfillment.
The blog is made by Angelique Sijbolts as a summary of the class of Rabbi Tuvia Serber
Thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his inspiring teaching and feedback on the blog and feedback on the free translation of the Sicha
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