Rabbi Sacks on Judaism as a Forerunner

I recently interviewed Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, about his new English-translated Koren siddur. The interview that was published focused on the siddur.

I also asked him a question on a different topic: I’ve frequently noticed that many in the modern Orthodox world, especially in recent years, have tried to minimize the uniqueness of Judaism’s place in the world – the Torah wasn’t that original, Chazal were influenced by surrounding cultures, etc. However, in his articles and books, Rabbi Sacks has consistently presented many aspects of Judaism as original and sui generic. This is what he had to say about it:

"Kadosh means distinct. Tzion means that as well. Am Segulah is a distinctive nation.
Most people think that to be a humanist means to be universal. I don’t, as I wrote in 'Dignity of Difference.' When Monet is at his most French, then everyone can enjoy him. When Tolstoy is at his most Russian, he’s at his best.
…Let’s have a little pride in who we are. I think Hakadosh Baruch Hu meant for us to be a blessing to the world."