VOLUME 113 NUMBER 3
Cheshvan 14, 5785
November 15, 2024
Parshas Vayeira
Candlelighting Time 4:25
The Midrash states that when Avrohom was five years old he recognized that Hashem is the sovereign ruler of the universe. Certainly, a great accomplishment for anyone and especially for a youngster specifically indoctrinated with the concept of idol worship and part of society that disdained any belief in a supreme Creator. And that message of belief was his mantra for his entire life as he battled the forces of evil that countered his faith and he attracted thousands of followers with whom he conveyed this point. Definitely a tremendous merit and point of distinction. Therefore, one would assume that Hashem’s predilection for Avrohom would be based upon that. However, when the verse spells out his attribute that truly endeared him to Hashem, it is the fact that he will be extremely attentive to his responsibility to transmit to the generations their obligation to serve Hashem appropriately. We refer to that concept as ‘chinuch,’ loosely translated as education although that is not actually a precise definition. Rather it is in this instance the preparation of young people to eventually assume and fulfill their commitments to Hashem. Why is this the selling point and not Avrohom’s tremendous leap to believe in the Creator?
Perhaps we may suggest that as magnificent as it was that Avrohom proclaimed that Hashem exists at the tender age of 5, still his achievement was personal and individual. However, the idea to reach the masses and indoctrinate them with this message was the ultimate purpose of Avrohom as Maimonides writes that he stood against the counter message of the idol worshippers and refused to cower to their intimidation. Even at the risk of his life when Nimrod tossed him into the fiery furnace, Avrohom was willing and ready to withstand the ordeal and as we know he did. Therefore, passing on that knowledge, dedication and commitment to the next generation was of extreme value and necessity. Indeed, that Avrohom recognized Hashem at such a tender age is not even mentioned in the Torah because its everlasting significance is only measured with his determination to ensure its enduring dissemination. And as Rashi comments this manner of leadership and guidance created a bond of admiration and esteem between Avrohom and Hashem. We all want that vote of approval from Hashem for how we conduct our lives and conveyance of Hashem’s message is clearly an avenue for that appreciation.
Netziv adds a very special insight of great proportion. Avrohom struggled to attain his knowledge of Hashem and the intricacies of the creation with which to teach others. Even a person as great as Avrohom also had limitations in his accumulating comprehension of the innerworkings of the universe. However, his thirst was quenched as Hashem endowed him with a supernatural intellect which allowed him to access and understand many things that might have been beyond his grasp. And that is the intent of the verse stating that Hashem assisted him so that his command of what Hashem wants would be available to him and therefore he could transmit that wonderful storehouse of information to others including his own household. Perhaps we can take from this a lesson in realization of the goals we also can accomplish when we have a tremendous drive and motivation to become closer to Hashem and follow with intensity the precepts of the Torah.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
When Avrohom took Yitzchok to ostensibly offer him on the altar the verse says that he saw the mountain from the distance. The point was that his trait of fear of Hashem was not fully developed but after he successfully achieved this test Hashem proclaimed that now Avrohom has perfected his fear of Heaven. S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS
MANY OF US ARE THRILLED THAT TRUMP WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. AND CERTAINLY, HE HAS BEEN A FRIEND OF ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE. HOWEVER, LEST WE FORGET, WE MUST ULTIMATELY PLACE OUR TRUST IN HASHEM FULLY AWARE THAT IT IS HIS DECISIVE PLAN THAT WILL GUIDE OUR NATION TO ITS FINAL DESTINATION.
