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Bishvil Yisroel- If the world was made for the Jews does that mean that the gentiles have no role?

Question:

Dear Rav,
When Rashi in Bereishis says that the world was created for Yisroel, does that mean that the gentiles have no real role in this world?
Thank you very much!

Answer:

Let me explain this with an example. In the air force there are many solders and workers; the kitchen crew, the maintenance men, the mechanics, and the people who load the planes.  The main purpose of the air force however is for the pilots to fly the fighter jets. The purpose of the world is to bring out the honor of Hashem, as the verse says, ישעי’ מ”ג) כל הנקרא בשמי ולכבודי בראתיו יצרתיו אף עשיתיו), that all that was created was created in order to bring out the glory of Hashem. This is the job of Klal Yisroel. Therefore Klal Yisroel are like the fighter pilots in the air force, and we are accomplishing the purpose of the creation of the world. The nations definitely have  role, they provide the world with food clothing, medicine, and a plethora of other things, however all of these thing are there to assist in the honor of Hashem, and not the main purpose. As a side point, this is also the other part of Rashi, that the world was created for the torah, meaning that the purpose of creation was in order that the mitzvos of Hashem will be fulfilled. This is also done by Klal Yisroel and not by the nations. Of course, anyone from the nations can choose to convert and then become one of those who are accomplishing the ultimate purpose of the world, but this is the meaning of what Rashi is saying.

Best wishes

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