Monday, October 14, 2013

Lech Lecha- Leave Your Negative Ways



In last week’s parsha it begins with G-ds commandment and promise to Abram. "Go for yourself from your land, from your relatives, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation; I will bless you, and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you." (12:1-12:3)
Abrams first test was to leave his father’s home in order for him to be able to build a true home where Hashems presence can dwell. Abram and his wife Sarai couldn't have children for many years. However, Hashem promised Abram that he will make of him a great nation, but how can he become a great nation if he doesn't have a child. Abram saw through astrology that he wouldn't have children. Hashem lifted Abram above the stars and showed him that the Jewish nation has no mazal (luck). The Jewish nation is above nature, they can change their fate. Hashem changed Abrams name to Abraham and Sari’s name to Sarah after their names were changed so too, were their mazals changed.
We learn from this parsha a very important lesson, we should never say that we won't be able to change our ways. The best way a person can change their destiny is to change their ways in the positive, to get closer to Hashem. When a person who wasn't religious becomes religious automatically they change their destiny. What once was is no longer the same when they get closer to Hashem.