PARSHAS LECH LECHO

 Good Shabbos! Instead of sharing a sermon today I would like to share with you a letter I wrote yesterday based on the Torah portion of this week. 

 Dear President-Elect Barack Obama,

Congratulations on becoming the first African-American President of the United States of America.  You were exactly right in your acceptance speech when you said, “If there is any one out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, tonight is your answer.” 

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called it an extraordinary step forward for the nation, which “has been through a long journey in making race less of a factor”.

As an orthodox Jew, one of the millions of Americans who are a minority in this country, I too am especially proud of your appointment as President-Elect of this great country.   I wish you much success in your term in office. 

We Jews received the Torah, which is the Divine and timeless word of G-d, on behalf of all mankind.   Each week we read one portion and our Sages tell us that within that portion is insight and guidance for all of the issues that transpire during that week.  I looked into the Torah to this week’s portion of Lech Lecho (Genesis Chapter 12- 17) and the correlations to your Presidency were astounding. 

The portion begins with a Divine call to Abraham.  “Go out from your land, from your birth place and from your ancestral home to the place that I will show you.”  (Israel).  The first question would be: If Abraham had excelled in his personal life to the point that G-d had chosen him to be the first leader and Patriarch of the people of Israel, then why should he leave all that he knew?  G-d explained it in the second verse.  “There I will make you into a great nation - I will bless you and make your name renowned.”   Only when you leave your personal issues behind and begin to think on a wider scale - can you become a worthy leader of a nation. 

There is no doubt Mr. Obama that you are articulate and highly intelligent.  Your life has been full of personal achievement and growth as an individual and a public figure.  But now, as G-d taught Abraham in this week’s portion, you need to go out of your personal comfort zone and do what is best for the entire nation, not just your personal constituency.  

When the Divine call came to Abraham he could have just sat back and taken pride in a life of unprecedented personal achievement.  But, instead, Abraham hearkened to the voice of his destiny.  “Lech Lecho” which literally means “Go To Yourself”.  G-d was telling Abraham that this was the time for him to turn inward and embark on a journey to discover the greatest potential and power contained within himself.  That is what G-d is now asking of you, Mr. Obama.  The privilege which you have been given bears great responsibility and effort.  ”Lech Lecho” - Search within yourself to find the strength and wisdom to address the choices that G-d will place before you in the very best way that you are able. 

There is an old Jewish folk story of a matchmaker who suggested a young lady to a man she knew and described her with numerous qualities and great beauty.  After their first date the man called the matchmaker and chastised him.   “How could you introduce me to such a girl?  She has a terrible limp”.  The matchmaker replied, “Not to worry, she only limps when she walks, so its OK.” 

In the next few weeks and months you will be transposed from the comforts of your home base in Illinois to the forefront of the world.  You will be on the move and it will take great faith in G-d to ensure you do not limp or drag your feet where action and strength is necessary.  I pray to G-d that He bless you with the insight and wisdom to guide this great nation during the challenging times that are now facing us. 

This portion that I have referred to speaks of Abraham fighting for those less fortunate than he.  It talks of a treaty he made with G-d, knowing that without G-d he was less than whole.  The portion also elaborates on the great faith of Abraham as he circumcised himself and his son Ishmael as an expression of that faith. 

I would like to also share with you that there was one place that it seems that Abraham lacked faith in G-d.  Allow me to explain. 

As soon as Abraham journeyed, by the Divine call of G-d, to the land of Israel, the land was beset with famine.  There was no food for Abraham or those traveling with him.  So Abraham journeyed on to Egypt in order to purchase food and provisions.  The question may be asked:  “If Abraham had such great faith in G-d, why did he change his plans.  Did he not believe that G-d could provide food even during the famine?” 

The answer is that Abraham understood that when it came to his personal relationship to G-d, he could be the greatest believer with full trust in the power of the Almighty. But, when the people around him were hungry it was no time to tell them to pray.  It was time for the leader to act and ensure that his people would have all of the things they needed even if it meant going against his personal views in some regards. 

As we struggle through the economic difficulties in the upcoming months it will be your task to find the way to provide for all of the citizens of this country, even if it may not have been exactly your own personal first choice or desire.  Al-mighty G-d and the citizens of this country have put great faith in you.  Our greatest days can still be ahead of us.  “Lech Lecho” - It is now time for you to rise to greater heights than you could have imagined possible and succeed as a leader among leaders. 

 May G-d bless you and may He bless the United States of America. 

 Sincerely,

Rabbi Avrohom Litvin