ABSTRACT
A fundamental principle of rabbinic Judaism is that Israel is a holy people by virtue of election and obedience to God’s commandments. While Israel is elected by God to be his holy people, a certain lifestyle is required and well-defined by the commandments. If Israel fails to support her holiness with this way of life, she loses her holy status. Election and responsibility form two sides of a paradox: Israel’s holiness is ensured by divine decree but is also dependent upon her daily lifestyle.
