A Rationalist Defense of Jewish Particularism

Abstract

Abstract A distinctive feature of Eugene Borowitz's thought is his defense of the traditional concept of the “chosenness” of the Jewish people. In this essay, I develop the outlines of Borowitz's view, tracing the course he navigates between Jewish universalism and particularism. I then argue that Borowitz may not go far enough. An even stronger religious and moral case can be made for the idea of Jewish particularity. Drawing on rationalist moral theory, I develop why I believe that anyone looking at the intentionality of a universal and ethical deity might accept God's special relationship in history with a single group of people.