Leibowitz, Yeshayahu (1903–1994). One of the most controversial
figures in Israel until his death. Although deeply committed to halachah, he
nevertheless felt that Jewish law had to adapt to the new reality of a Jewish
state. Leibowitz considered himself to be a disciple of Maimonides and the
rationalism that the latter represented. On the question of chosenness,
Leibowitz denies that the Jews were chosen. He reconceptualizes the traditional
notion by arguing that Jews were commanded to be the chosen people, and the
Jews may or may not respond to that divine demand. But, for Leibowitz, as for
all Jewish rationalists, there is no intrinsic difference between Jews and
Gentiles.
Courtesy: Professor Shai Cherry
