How do Conservative/Masorti Jews view the concept of being a Chosen People?

     Few beliefs have been subject to as much misunderstanding as the "Chosen People" doctrine.  The Torah and the Prophets clearly stated that this does not imply any innate Jewish superiority.  In the words of Amos (3:2) "You alone have I singled out of all the families of the earth - that is why I will call you to account for your iniquities".

     The Torah tells us that we are to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" with obligations and duties which flowed from our willingness to accept this status.  Far from being a license for special privilege, it entailed additional responsibilities not only toward God but to our fellow human beings.  As expressed in the blessings at the reading of the Torah, our people have always felt it to be a privilege to be selected for such a purpose.

     For the modern traditional Jew, the doctrine of the election and the covenant of Israel offers a purpose for Jewish existence which transcends its own self interests.  It suggests that because of our special history and unique heritage we are in a position to demonstrate that a people that takes seriously the idea of being covenanted with God can not only thrive in the face of oppression, but can be a source of blessing to its children and its neighbors.  It obligates us to build a just and compassionate society throughout the world and especially in the land of Israel where we may teach by example what it means to be a "covenant people, a light unto the nations".

[Emet Ve-Emunah, p.33,34]