Hello and welcome to another episode of Covenant and Conversation with me, Rabbi Sachs.

In each new episode, we'll explore a Jewish idea from the Hebrew Bible based on the Torah reading of the week.

Why is the Jewish people so small? Near the end of Vaidchanan is a statement with such far-reaching

implications that it challenges the impression that has thus far prevailed in the Torah.

It gives an entirely new complexion to the biblical image of the people Israel.

Mosheur Abainu says, the Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you are the

fewest of all peoples. Now this is not what we have heard thus far. In Genesis, God promised the patriarchs

that their descendants would be like the stars of the heavens, the sand on the seashore, the dust of the earth,

uncountable. Abraham would be the father not just of one nation,

but of many. At the beginning of Exodus, we read how the covenantal family numbering a mere 70

when they went down to Egypt were fertile and prolific and their population increased.

They became so numerous that the land was filled with them. Three times in the book of DeVarim,

Moses describes the Israelites as being as many as the stars of the sky. Shloma Amelah speaks of himself as being part of the people

you have chosen, a great people too numerous to count or number. The prophet Josea says that the Israelites

will be like the sand of the seashore which cannot be measured or counted.

In all these texts and in others, it's the size, the numerical greatness of the people that's

emphasized. So what are we to make of Moses' words that speak of its smallness?

Dagham Yonnes interprets it to be not about numbers at all, but about self-image.

He translates it not as the fewest of all peoples, but as the most lowly and humble of peoples.

Rashi gives a similar reading, citing Abraham's words, I am but dust and ashes,

and Moshan Arans, Who Are we?

Rushbam and Khizkuni. Give the more straightforward explanation that Moses is contrasting the Israelites with the seven nations they'd be fighting in the

...