Share it With the World – Parshas Lech Lecha 5773
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It is well known that Avraham and Sarah were the first “kiruv couple.” Chazal tell us that Avraham taught, inspired and converted the men while Sarah did so for the women (Bereishis Rabbah 39:14; quoted by Rashi Bereishis 12:5). Rabbeinu Bechaya explains that all three of the Avos and all four of the Imaos were truly involved with spreading the beauty and truth of Hashem.
Three Patriarchs
The Midrash (ibid.) states that when the verse talks about the “souls that Avraham and Sarah made in Charan” this refers to the converts that they had inspired. Rabbeinu Bechaya continues this theme and states that we also find that Yizchok had inspired converts as it states, “Yaakov dwelled in the land that his father had (migurei) dwelled in (Bereishis 37:1).” Read the word megurei as referring to gerim, converts, that Yitzchok had helped connect with Hashem (Midrash Rabbah 84:2). We similarly find that Yaakov commanded his household members to remove their idolatry (Bereishis 38:2). Rabbeinu Bechaya explains based on the above quoted Midrash that obviously this command was not given to the holy family of Yaakov which included Rachel, Leah and the 12 Shevatim, tribe leaders. It was a command to all of the people whom Yaakov taught Torah to stating that if they wished to come with him, they would have to take the next step by renouncing their idolatry. The next verse states that they enthusiastically followed the order. The Avos worked tirelessly to spread knowledge of Hashem throughout the world.
True Love
Chazal (Sifri Devarim 6:5) tell us that when the verse commands us to “love Hashem our God,” this refers to learning the Torah. Chazal continue and state, “part of this commandment is to spread your love to others just like Avraham your forefather did as it states, “the souls that they made in Charan…” Rabbeinu Bechaya quotes the Rambam’s question here (from Sefer Hamitzvos). How does the verse’s commandment to love Hashem incorporate spreading this love to others as well? Is it not possible for one to simply love Hashem and just keep it to him or herself? The Rambam explains, and Rabbeinu Bechaya (Kad HaKemach, ahava) elaborates on this by stating the following. The love that the Torah commands us to have for Hashem is one in which the feelings of appreciation and gratitude are so strong that one is compelled to share it with others.
When someone loves something truly and deeply he wishes to tell others about the great object of his love. He wishes to profess his love to the world. When someone gets engaged, he wishes to give his bride a ring so that he can share and express his love. Throughout marriage, he finds appropriate ways and venues to share and express the love as it deepens more and more. When someone has a child he or she wants to show that child to others and to express his love repeatedly. This is a natural and healthy manifestation of true love and commitment.
The Avos deeply and passionately connected with Hashem. They were profoundly in awe and in love with Hashem to the point that they were compelled to share His Greatness and Kindness with others. They experienced His daily Guidance and Kindness. Our great Patriarchs and Matriarchs spent their lives sharing the greatness of Hashem with others. They began with themselves, gave it over to their families and shared it with the world.
Categories: Parshas Lech Lecha
