The weekly portion, Lech-lecha (Genesis 12), begins the journey Abraham took at God’s command. According to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, the Hebrew implies “Go by yourself.” Hirsch’s lesson answers the question, “Why did God send Abraham, alone?” Hirsch teaches that for Abraham to be the religious leader he is called to be, “this is one journey that must be made alone.” He suggests that in order to view the world anew, one must be alone in it. Furthermore, Hirsch understands Abraham’s aloneness as foreshadow of “all religious seekers and, above all, that of the people Israel in their historic solitude.” Ultimately, the journey Abraham makes includes the hope and the promise that he will be a blessing.
We know that what is written in the Torah portion and in Hirsch’s Midrash is true. Young adults who want to grow up to be the persons they are meant to be must leave home. They go to college to study from professors’ insights and research. They study abroad to draw new conclusions about the world around them. Their leadership depends on their ability to inherit knowledge and to fashion new ideas. However, wherever our young adults go and wherever our path continues to take us, it is for a purpose that is not for our sake, alone.
God said to Abraham, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and it shall be a blessing.” Be a blessing. This was the promise made to Abraham, but it didn’t come without tests and responsibilities. Likewise, we and our young adults, alike, must strive to be a blessing. To walk alone is only for the purpose of understanding the unique place we occupy in the world. That uniqueness is part of our challenge to discover. What is your gift or talent? How do you make contributions of time and effort to the synagogue? Some people discover their unique talent early in life. We call them protégés. Others find their gifts later and make good use of them. Still others struggle to know their purpose. To be sure, everyone has one.
“Be a blessing” doesn’t mean you have to be Abraham or Moses. It means that every life has meaning and every person can be a blessing, too. By virtue of our patriarch, Abraham, we are inheritors of a great heritage. The people Israel, as Hirsch taught, has walked in solitude, historically, due to its unique purpose. Inherent in our own Jewish identity is a purpose and a blessing, too.
Let’s read the opening words of this week’s Torah portion, again: “Lech-lecha,” go by yourself. See for yourself what is possible for you in this time of your life. Shed any discouraging or negative outlooks. Embrace the blessing that is in you. Lead by example and make the unique gift of your life part of God’s promise: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you; through you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” As Hirsch teaches, this is the heritage of our people that has come down from Abraham. Hirsch emphasizes that it is as true today, as it was when it was first uttered.
From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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