Parshat Lech-Lecha – October 27, 2023 / 13 Cheshvan 5784
One of the pioneers in the field of leadership itself was the late American scholar Warren Bennis. He wrote, “By the time we reach puberty, the world has shaped us to a greater extent than we realize. Our family, friends, and society in general have told us – by word and example – how to be. But people begin to become leaders at that moment when they decide for themselves how to be.” This is, to me, a very Jewish notion.
Talmidim, Students and young leaders, it is time to begin the process of deciding for yourselves how to be. This week, we so appropriately read parsha Lech Lecha from our Torah. In this Torah portion, Abraham (who is still Abram at the time), is told by God, “Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you…and you shall be a blessing.” Abraham has the courage to follow God’s command. What is interesting is that the words “Lech Lecha” actually mean “go out to yourself.” Sometimes we have to go on an adventure to find out who we are inside, and what we are truly made of.
To begin a Jewish education is to begin to search for the essence of who we are as individuals, and where we are going as a people. Luckily, you have an advantage that Abraham did not have. You have the footsteps of those who have come before you to lead the way. This does not mean that you have to walk lockstep with the past, but there is a beautiful blueprint for you to work from! Being Jewish is a blessing. Being Jewish is daring to go out and discover and learn. Being Jewish is being a light when it seems like there is too much dark in the world. Being Jewish is not always easy, but it is oh-so rewarding. You, my young chaverim, hold the keys to the future of our beautiful tradition. We have always dared to dream, dared to be different. We have always swam against the current when the current was going in a direction that we did not deem to be morel, ethical, or righteous. Dead fish flow with the current. We are oh-so-alive as Jews. I know that our traditions, the future innovations of our Judaism, and our peoplehood are in good hands, as you do as Abraham did in this week’s Torah portion. You begin your journeys. Just by taking this first step. Just by opening your Siddurim, your prayer books…you tell yourselves and the world…”I am Jewish. I am proud to be Jewish. The chain of tradition continues.” This moment is indeed a simchah, a joy…and a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom
– Rabbi Josh Gray
