Close To Torah

As we learn the parshios about the Avos, Patriarchs, we take close note of their greatness and what they invested in the nation to fuse into our DNA and genetic makeup. In our parsha, Rabbeinu Bechaya devotes much time stressing the respectable points of the Avos and bringing home many powerful and relevant lessons. Let us explore some of the inspiring ideas that can be brought to practice for us as well.

Avraham’s Response

Hashem elaborates (Bereishis 17:18) the praises of Avraham and expresses the fact that He does not want to take action against Sedom without first telling the great Avraham. This was a most powerful expression of the high esteem that Hashem help Avraham in. Avraham certainly could have taken this to heart and could have let it get to his head. But instead, points out Rabbeinu Bechaya, Avraham responded (ibid. 18:26), “I am but dirt and ashes.” He showed true humility. It is important for us to be proud of our accomplishments, this encourages us to do more. Avraham was proud, but he was not haughty. He knew his role and his place. He knew what he was here to accomplish.

Location Location

Chazal express criticism against Noach for not helping his generation repent. They say that Noach did not compare to Avraham in greatness. If this is so, asks, Rabbeinu Bechaya, why did Avraham not march himself into Sedom and share his beliefs with the people in an effort to help them repent? Rabbeinu Bechaya explains that Sedom is located in Eretz Yisrael. There is a great responsibility for those whom live in the Holy Land to be on a higher spiritual plane. They should not have been committing the sins that they were doing. Avraham understood that by default the land would have to spit them out. Anyone that came to Avraham was taught truth and kindness, but those who were deaf to the word of Hashem remained excluded. This was a lesson and message for future generations as well: Eretz Yisrael does not tolerate those who do not act appropriately.

All From Hashem

The contrast of Avimelech’s palace inhabitants being punished with closed organs (ibid. 20:18) versus the next verse (ibid 21:1) which talks about the miraculous opening of Sarah’s womb and her being blessed with a child is most deliberate. Rabbeinu Bechaya explains that the Avos lived with a clear understanding that Hashem is the Only One who controls nature. He gives life and pregnancy and He decides who will not be blessed. We must daven, pray, to Him for help. This explains the small complaint against Sarah when she laughed at the news of her having a child. It was funny news, and anyone would have and could have laughed at the news that a 90 year old woman would conceive, but there was a twinge of disbelieve, that was the issue that needed to be rectified.

Rewards

The Mesorah states that only two verses in all of Bereishis start with the word, “vayita, and he planted.” “He (Hashem) planted the Garden of Eden (ibid 2:8), and “He (Avraham) planted (established) an orchard (to supply guests with food). Rabbeinu Bechaya points out that the lesson is that one merits great rewards in the Garden of Eden by performing kindness and caring for others.

I would like to add two points here. Firstly, the two verses discuss Hashem and Avraham specifically to draw a correlation. Avraham strove to emulate Hashem in kindness and this was the trait that he preached to the world. Avraham taught his guests to recognize and thank Hashem for His Kindness which fills the world. Secondly, the word “he planted” shows that in order to merit the reward of Eden one must “plant” and work hard to care for others. It must be coming from a deep and true place where one establishes true care and concern for the needs of others. This is true kindness and what leads to the greatest pleasure and reward in this world and the next.

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