Many religions see themselves and their fellow believers as a chosen kind. This is often depicted in their scripture, teachings, and other methods of maintaining the faith. For Jews, the Torah has told many stories of their divine leader, God, playing the cards in favor of those who followed his word and would smite those who opposed him and his people. The Egyptians had enslaved the Jews and God used Moses to free them. When Moses was up against the proverbial wall, God broke it down and rained terror on the pursuing Egyptian soldiers. What other reason would God do such, unless it were to show his people were chosen to live and continue their faith in his holy image? The Jews are raised with the knowledge that they are officially, by act of God, better than other humans, not chosen for lack of proper worship.
As an Ex-Psych major, I'd love to pick this mentality apart to the bone starting with illusions of grandeur, but that's a conversation for another time. I as well as some Jews even, believe this covenant of God appears a little blown up or out of proportion. Micheal Chabon, famous Jewish writer feels that the false image is portrayed by ordinary people doing ordinary things. The only major accomplishment that differs from other ancient societies that faded out is that the Jews stayed alive. He believes this is more survival tactic rather than supernatural. Living in a society where one's accomplishments are proclaimed and short comings are discarded can maintain such a stereotype, but many believe it is an ambiguous thought that Jews indeed are superior and chosen for greatness more than any other. After all, if God made man in his image, wouldn't man share all flaws and strengths alike?
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