It’s Tuesday, and we’re back with a brand new Tuesday TorahTutors Tidbit! Real Torah, from real TorahTutors sessions.
A student learning Parshat Lech Lecha studied Ramban’s commentary on the ten tests of Avraham. The student and tutor discussed what some call “spiritual genes” that are transmitted from one generation to the next, and specifically, the way Avraham’s challenges empowered the future Jewish people to succeed in various areas of their lives.
For instance, learning about Avraham’s willingness to risk his life for his belief in Hashem (as in the midrashic account of his being thrown into a fiery furnace) has strengthened his descendants throughout generations of persecution and similar challenges in standing up for their faith.
Avraham’s willingness to trust Hashem and go along with the command to bind his beloved son on an altar similarly empowers his descendants to follow mitzvot even when they don’t make sense to us.
And when he was told to leave his homeland and move to an unknown land – the land of Israel – Avraham provided us a model for the desire to live in the promised land.
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This tidbit feels particularly poignant on the eve of Yom Yerushalayim, especially in light of current events. The Jewish people have given up so much to live in accordance with our heritage and our faith, and to do so in our ancestral land of Israel. We have made tremendous gains, such as the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, and we have suffered tremendous losses.
On this Yom Yerushalayim, we extend our prayers for the continued strength and empowerment passed on from Avraham Avinu to face the many battles before us.
We pray for the safety and security to live and learn throughout Israel and the world, without the need for that special strength.
