Sibling rivalry. It’s something many of us are familiar with. From the child who sobs, “You like her better,” to the adult who argues over the family fortune, the need for us to feel valued too often devolves into an urge to “win” the upper hand of affection. We are by nature a competitive species.

While we value fairness, everyone wants to feel they have been specially chosen. Whether an adopted child, a fiancé, a job candidate, or an award winner, being “chosen” comes with a feeling of value. One feels cherished, appreciated, lauded, seen.

Who wouldn’t want that! So, it was a matter of pride for the Jewish people since the dawn of the covenant that they had been especially chosen by God. When God said, “you will be my people, and I will be your God,” they took that as a matter of point…