Change, is a word that not only triggers an association in our minds, but very often makes us feel uncomfortable. In Judaism though, change is not just a viewpoint, rather a requirement. Built into our calendar are established times during the year in which change is obligatory, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Aside from the cyclical reminders of change, the opportunity for change presents itself at various times in our lives. But as this week’s Parsha reminds us, this type of change can only occur if we recognize it.
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Lech Lecha, G-d commands a change in the life of Abraham.
“And G-d said to Abram: (Lech Lecha) go to yourself, from your land, and from your birthplace, and from your father's house, unto the land that I will show you.” Beresheit 12:1
Abraham is commanded to say farewell to the only place and way of life he has ever known. Despite the outcome of this overwhelming and stress-inducing request, Abraham responds with alacrity. He zealously fulfills the word of G-d and leaves his home toward an unbeknownst locale. The text doesn’t introduce G-d’s request as a test of faith, but we can look at the text, and determine that this was a challenge of faith for Abraham. Abraham’s recognition of this obstacle allowed him to accept the challenge.
If Abraham’s acceptance is examined further, an exemplary character trait of Abraham surfaces. Toward the end of last week’s Torah portion, Parshat Noach, Abraham’s father Terach travels to the land of Canaan. By contrasting the text describing the journey of Abraham with that of his father Terach’s journey, we observe one major difference:
And Terach took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur Kasdim to travel to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran, and settled there.Beresheit 11:31
We compare this to Abraham’s journey:
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they made in Haran; and they went forth to go to the land of Canaan; and they arrive in the land of Canaan. Beresheit 12:5
Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan (1838-1933) explains: when we read of the travels of Terach, we see that despite his intentions of arriving to the land of Canaan, he did not reach it, settling in Haran instead. Abraham, on the other hand, set forth to travel to the land of Canaan and achieved his goal of arriving in Canaan. Rabbi Kagan highlights the importance of perseverance in fulfilling a mission. Abraham represents this level of resolve. Possessing the important trait of perseverance, Abraham recognized the “Lech Lecha” command as a lofty challenge from G-d and was thus determined to fulfill it in its entirety. He, therefore, not only set forth to travel to the land of Canaan, but made sure this dream became a reality.
Very often we are faced with challenges during life. Whether the challenges are minor or significant, there is a three-step process to confront them. Firstly, we recognize the challenge; secondly, we accept it; lastly, we persevere through the challenge. There is a common misconception that when G-d challenges humans, it is because G-d seeks to evaluate how committed we are. This notion is neither logical nor accurate. G-d is all-knowing, and therefore needs no test to assess our loyalty. Rather, a challenge from G-d is a barometer for us to determine how committed we are. We must use it to evaluate our relationship with G-d.
One should resist viewing challenges as tests, but as opportunities for change and growth. Perhaps this is why the original verse uses the words “Lech Lecha”. Most English texts will translate these words “Go for Yourself,” however, a more accurate translation would read “Go To Yourself.” If G-d merely wanted to evaluate Abraham’s dedication, He would have just said Lech – Go. G-d was directing Abraham in a path to find his own strength. “Lech Lecha” means “Go to Yourself” – go out and determine who you really are. Accept the challenge and the changes that will occur. Move away from our comfort zone; recognize that change is necessary, and very often uncomfortable. Yet by embracing change into our lives, we will begin to explore who we really are.
