The idea of the Chosen People, am segula, has its origins in the Torah reading of Reeh. "Now then, if you will obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My am segula, My treasured people among all the peoples…you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

The idea of the Chosen People has challenged the interpreters of Scripture throughout the centuries. Most commentators see it as a reflection of the unique relationship between G-d and Israel that is the essence of the brit, the covenant of the Book of Deuteronomy. G-d's relationship with Israel is described as a love relationship, whether it is portrayed as the love of a father for a child or a spouse for his mate. Throughout the prophetic literature of the Bible, this love relationship is developed as the key to understanding Israel's destiny.

The prophet Hosea focuses upon the husband-wife bond as reflective of the relationship of G-d with His people. Israel is the unfaithful wife, who has spurned the genuine affection of her partner. G-d will ultimately renew His relationship with Israel, despite the period of rejection. The Second Isaiah also utilizes the image of a renewed marriage to describe Israel's reconciliation with G-d and her triumphant return to the city of Jerusalem. Therefore, the love relationship between G-d and Israel is seen as unique. It is impossible to analyze that love - for how is anyone capable of actually analyzing the chemistry that creates the magic of the love relationship. This understanding of the love of G-d and Israel forms a core of the philosophy of the three giants of twentieth century Judaism: Buber, Heschel, and Rosenzweig. When two parties share a love relationship, those outside of it cannot truly comprehend what transpires between the couple. It is even pointless for the outsider to attempt to describe the relationship. This is the special nature of love.

Abraham Joshua Heschel stated his idea of the chosen people in his work, G-d in Search of Man. "There is no concept of a chosen G-d, but there is the idea of a chosen people. The idea of a chosen people does not suggest the p[reference for one people over another. We do not say that we are a superior people. The "chosen people" means a people approached and chosen by G-d. The significance of this term is genuine in relation to G-d rather than in relation to other peoples. It signifies not a quality inherent in the people bit a relationship between the people and G-d."

However, the Book of Deuteronomy does note that the relationship is dependent upon Israel upholding her side of the covenant. Israel must be devoted to the laws of the berit, in order to receive G-d's blessing.

Sadly, Jews and others throughout history have misunderstood the idea of the "Chosen People". It in no way is about superiority; it is about relationship. Indeed, Israel never felt herself superior to the other nations. She felt called to observe the demands of her relationship with G-d. .It is not about the spiritual life of other groups; it is about Israel's call to her own spiritual destiny. Whether other people have their own spiritual calling is their issue. However, we do know that Israel and G-d have been intertwined for thousands of years. The idea of Chosen People expresses the concern and the commitment that the two parties have for each other. The idea of the Chosen People has given a meaning to the Jewish destiny throughout the centuries. The Babylonian Exile was seen as a separation of the parties. The rise of rabbinic Judaism was seen as a renewal of the relationship. The wanderings and sufferings of the Jews in the Middle Ages were given purpose. The rebirth of modern Judaism was reflective of a renewal of that bond. The Chosen People would be intertwined with their faith throughout history, thereby gaining a sense of destiny and purpose. The Book of Deuteronomy has given us a sacred mission that has renewed our people throughout the generations.