In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Lech Lecha, G-d appeared before Avraham and said, “Go for yourself, from your land to the land that I will show you, so Avraham went as G-d had spoken to him” (Genesis, 12:1-4)
Most of the time, leaving everything behind can seem like an obstacle. Human beings are creatures of habit and prefer to stay with what’s familiar and comfortable to them. However, when one knows that he or she is serving a higher cause, much of the stress can melt away.
G-d told Avraham to move, but He didn’t mention where he would be going. When Avraham realized that the reason he left home was to spread the idea of G-d, a higher calling, the stress involved dramatically reduced.
Imagine a doctor decided to close up his practice, pack his belongings, and move to a foreign country in order to help the people in desperate need of his skills. The doctor’s stress of leaving his familiar surroundings is now replaced with excitement and purpose. However, if the doctor moved to a different city for no real purpose, he would just think of the drawbacks and concerns.
When we take action and make a difference in the world, we are acting consistently with how G-d created us. When we divert from something comfortable toward something unfamiliar or foreign, most of the stress disappears. We should all merit to be like Avraham, who did not hesitate when G-d told him to leave his comfort zone for a higher purpose.
Shabbat Shalom!
By: Sherri Shahar (11th Grade)