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Sivan Rahav-Meir / The Daily Portion, Lech-Lecha / Why is Avraham our father?

By Sivan Rahav-Meir/Translation by Yehoshua Siskin

Posted on 10/16/21

Parshas HaShavua Divrei Torah sponsored by
Dr. Shapsy Tajerstein, DPM - Podiatry Care.
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If they make a list of the most influential figures in human history, Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu will appear at the top. It's difficult to exaggerate the signficance of the steps they take in parashat Lech-Lecha: They embark on a journey to the Land of Israel and in so doing pave the way for millions of Jews to do the same from then until today; they reject idolatry and initiate the monotheistic revolution, the belief in one God; they establish the first Jewish home, a tent of loving-kindness and hospitality. But nowhere is it written exactly why these two people were chosen for this mission.

In his new book "Dibur Matchil" (Speech Begins), Rabbi Avinadav Abucarat offers a fascinating explanation: Why was Avraham chosen? Why exactly him? Avraham heard grandiose pronouncements about his future simply because he had the capacity to hear them. There is an inner voice that speaks to every man and woman, but most people refuse to listen and run away from their mission. Avraham heard the calling of Lech-Lecha. He succeeded in quieting all other voices, all external distractions, all the seductive temptations and enslaving notions that surrounded him, meriting a clear and radiant vision. Instead of getting lost in a world full of confusion, Avraham understood the whole story and became the first Jew, the first oleh chadash, the first believer.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslav wrote: "Every person in the world has a 'Lech-Lecha' that warns him to go into himself. 'Lech-lecha' - go into yourself, into the source of your soul."

May we succeed in hearing. Shabbat shalom.