By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman
This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother
Mrs.
Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
Who hasn't spent
time lamenting their lost youth? Every day we waste is an opportunity
squandered; every year that goes by without growth is a graveyard of abandoned
hopes and aspirations.
The only consolation
is the recognition that it is never too late to climb off the carousel of
abandon and to begin the process of self-reinvention. History's roll call of
achievement is crowded with individuals who came to greatness only late in
life. Read the biographies of the Rich 200 for instance; for every dot-com teenage
billionaire, there are 100 others who achieved success only after a lifetime
accumulating experience.
The spiritual plane
is no exception. Great accomplishments can be realized no matter one's starting
date. The Lubavitcher Rebbe became Rebbe just two months
before his 49th birthday and proceeded to totally revolutionize the Jewish
world. On a more modest basis, so many of our best and brightest scholars,
teachers and exemplars worldwide only rediscovered their Jewish heritage in
adulthood.
In this week's Torah
portion, Lech-Lecho (Bereishis [Genesis] 12:1-17:27) we are
introduced to the first Jew, our ancestor Abraham, with G-d's command to
him to, "Leave your land, birthplace and father's home, to the land that I
will show you" (Genesis 12:1).
These words were
directed to Abraham at the age of 75, after a lifetime spent discovering G-d
and propagating the religion that was to become Judaism. Interestingly, none of
his previous life experiences--his self-sacrifice, his power struggles with the
entrenched hierarchies of the day, or his successes to date in spreading
monotheism--were deemed important enough to be worthy of mention in the Torah.
It is almost as if the lifework of this major historical figure and the
progenitor of our race began only then.
Herein lies the
difference between Judaism and other philosophies. Most people think that to
come close to G-d you must first understand Him. Spend years studying the dogmas
and theologies of faith, and then, once convinced of the rectitude of your
chosen path, you may embark on a lifetime of devotion.
Not Judaism, not
Abraham. G-d's first directive to Abraham that is relevant to us is "Go!" "Leave!"
Abraham was commanded, "Leave your past behind; set aside logic,
preconceived notions, tribal affiliations, and just go wherever I direct you
and do whatever I say."
Faith is fine, logic
is lovely, but a Jew serves G-d, first and foremost, by actions and deeds. Mitzvot,
G-d's commandments, are our way of approaching G-d. G-d chose, for whatever
reason, these specific actions to complete that connection and we, by
fulfilling these Mitzvos, justify our existence.
Abraham, at the age
of 75, was embarking on a new campaign. From now on he would follow G-d
wherever, whenever and however he was ordered. But it was from that departure
and movement of Abraham that Judaism began; the genesis of the Jewish people
and everything they have contributed to the world till today and beyond.
Whatever one's age,
background, or previous experiences, we, Abraham's descendants and spiritual
heirs, have inherited this capacity for self-(re)creation, as our each and
every action can be so accomplishing for no other reason than
because G-d wants it so.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting
Shabbos!
