Keeping Faith: Martha Himmelfarb

RG: And somehow the chosenness of the Jewish people as it’s presented, at least in the prayer book, seems to have something to do with that day’s coming, that the Jewish example — being “a light unto the Gentiles,” as Isaiah says — is crucial to the rest of the world.

MH: I think that’s right. And perhaps it’s a bit imperialistic that, in the end, everybody will sort of get it and join up. But it’s a very strong strand in the Bible’s thought.

RG: Even now, that is, before the eschatological age, Judaism holds that there are some rules that apply not only to Jews but to Gentiles, too. Is that right?

MH: Yes. While conversion to Judaism is possible, it is not regarded as required. But Judaism does, as you say, lay down rules for everyone. There are moral standards for Gentiles to observe that make them good Gentiles, good people.

http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2011/11/23/29443/