The devastation in Jamaica is awful and heartbreaking. My colleague, Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, reports of terrible destruction and challenges. Our prayers are with all those affected.
For many, they will need to start fresh. Much of what they had built up in life is no longer there. Starting from scratch is not easy – especially if you are already settled and advanced in years.
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This week’s parsha Lech Lecha tells us about the first Jew, Avraham.
It opens with the following words:
G-d said to Abram, Go from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will become a source of blessing.
Although we are familiar with Avraham’s existence through his family’s lineage in last week’s parsha, this is the first episode that the Torah shares about his life.
He was no youngster.
He was 75 years old at the time.
And, he was an accomplished man.
He had already recognized G-d as Creator, sacrificed his life for this belief (he was miraculously saved), led a campaign against idolatry, garnered a huge following, and become a financial success.
Yet, the Torah tells us nothing of this in the text. It’s all transmitted via the Oral Tradition – albeit alluded to in the text.
Why doesn’t the Torah tell us about Avraham’s notable achievements in life? It sang the praises of Noach in last week’s parsha; yet it remains silent about Avraham – without a word of introduction.
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Let’s first ask another question about the text we just quoted. Why does G-d promise Avraham that He will make him into a great nation? The Hebrew text implies that Hashem will create something new from Avraham. Instead of using the more natural phrase, “You will become a great nation,” it insists that G-d will transform Avraham into something new – a great nation.
The Midrash explains that this is indeed the case. The old Avraham was incapable of becoming a great nation. Only after G-d spoke to him and infused him with a new identity could he become a great nation.
Why were his previous accomplishments insufficient to earn him great nationhood?
G-d is declaring that Avraham will be the first Jew. A Jew, by definition, is different than a non-Jew.
It isn't because we follow different rules and traditions. It’s because we have a different sacred, soul.
For Avraham to be made into a new reality, he had to start over. From scratch.
He may have earned his way to become the first Jew. But, now G-d had to take over and infuse him with a fresh identity, an identity that would both necessitate and befit a new role. That mission begins when the Creator opens a dialogue with him. He isn’t capable of earning this. It’s a gift from Above.
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In life, we arrive at moments – big and small – when we are required to redefine ourselves.
Sometimes they seem daunting.
But, the Torah gives a clear message to every Jew. Don’t fear. This is exactly what you were created for. It is exactly who you are inside. And, you have no idea of the greatness that lies ahead when you embrace your inner reality.
Embrace it – and you will discover the gift that awaits.