« Israel rises above the angels through the receiving of the Torah — that precious, hidden treasure which was given neither to the angels nor to any other creature, but to us alone. » (Likutey Halakhot, Rabbi Nathan of Breslov)
The greatness of Israel does not lie merely in an inherited mark or status at birth. Rather, it is revealed through a conscious choice: to accept and live by the will of Hashem. The Torah — this divine gift withheld even from the angels — becomes the bridge by which a Jewish soul can rise higher than any celestial being. Angels have no struggle, no temptation, no free will; they serve by nature.
But when a human being chooses, in the midst of challenge and distraction, to bind himself to the Torah, he performs an act that surpasses angelic service. This is the unique glory of Israel: not a title passively received, but a covenant actively embraced.
