Bs”d
Parshas Lech Lecha (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi in our sedra quotes an extremely significant Chazal, the extent of which might be misunderstood or overlooked. (15:5) Rashi says that Hashem lifted Avraham above the stars, which means that he was no longer under the influence of the conventional order of this world. Avraham and Sara in actuality of the order of the world could not have children together; Sara lacked the physical capability. Hashem removed them from being subject to the order of the world, now under a unique, direct Divine influence. Yitzchak, their son, and all his progeny is composed of a completely different fiber than all mankind. So it is with everything concerning all aspects of his existence and that of the nation that emerged from him, Klal Yisroel—us, forever. Yetzias Mitzrayim, existing in the desert for forty years, entering and living in Eretz Yisroel, and the Bais HaMikdash. An example, abstaining from agricultural activities for the duration of the Shmittah year for all mankind would be comparable to absolute suicide on a national level. For us it was an actuality of our life and existence.
Our unique source of existence is the root of the demands that the Torah places upon us and the responsibility of its fulfillment. We should all have success in accomplishing this.
The importance of the power of bracha which Klal Yisroel possesses can be observed by its placement of priority in Hashem’s initial contact with Avraham Avinu (12:3). Why then do we find many of our great leaders including the Chofetz Chayim “play down” and not be effusive in their willingness to give brachos. The receiving of a bracha is really secondary to establishing our own personal contact and relationship with Hashem. Perhaps our leaders wanted to demonstrate their objection to what they observed as a lack of requesting our needs from Hashem directly and thereby creating this all-important and crucial tie with our Creator.
Have a wonderful, fulfilling week with brachos and hatzlachos.