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Dvar for Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)

SP
Short, practical, relevant Weekly Dvar
Wed, Oct 25, 2017 6:50 PM

This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and
Android). I hope you enjoy and share this Dvar...


In Parshat Lech Lecha, among the blessings that Avraham was to receive for
leaving all that he had was the blessing that he himself should be a
blessing (12:2). How does one become a blessing? Furthermore, Rashi
comments that G-d promised Avraham that although he would be identified
with Yitzchak and Yakov, any such blessings would end with Avraham's name
at its conclusion. If the sages are correct that Yitzchak and Yakov reached
higher levels than Avraham, what made him so special that any blessing
would end with him?

Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that Avraham merited greater distinction
because he was the first to establish faith in Hashem (G-d). Although those
after him reached greater heights, Avraham's accomplishments were more
worthy. Maybe this can explain how Avraham himself became the blessing:
Taking initiative and starting something you believe is important for
society is a blessing on its own, because it lays the framework for others
to build on it! G-d promised Avraham, and in turn promised us, that, if we
become leaders and initiators, our efforts will never be forgotten and we
will always be remembered as a blessing.

Shlomo Ressler


Quotation of the week:
"The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will."

This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and Android). I hope you enjoy and share this Dvar... _______________________________________________ In Parshat Lech Lecha, among the blessings that Avraham was to receive for leaving all that he had was the blessing that he himself should be a blessing (12:2). How does one become a blessing? Furthermore, Rashi comments that G-d promised Avraham that although he would be identified with Yitzchak and Yakov, any such blessings would end with Avraham's name at its conclusion. If the sages are correct that Yitzchak and Yakov reached higher levels than Avraham, what made him so special that any blessing would end with him? Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that Avraham merited greater distinction because he was the first to establish faith in Hashem (G-d). Although those after him reached greater heights, Avraham's accomplishments were more worthy. Maybe this can explain how Avraham himself became the blessing: Taking initiative and starting something you believe is important for society is a blessing on its own, because it lays the framework for others to build on it! G-d promised Avraham, and in turn promised us, that, if we become leaders and initiators, our efforts will never be forgotten and we will always be remembered as a blessing. Shlomo Ressler _______________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will."