The Midrash tells us that Creation was a result of G-d’ multiple attempts to create the universe, which resulted in the one in which we now reside. We read in the Torah that the first generation of humans failed in their mandate, and, 10 generations later, so did Noah’s. Another 10 generations hence, we now arrive at Avram, soon to be renamed Avraham. What made him different from his patriarchal predecessors? It’s subtle, but significant. If you do the Biblical math, Abraham was still a relatively young man in his 50s when Noah died. This means that he not only knew his ancestor’s story; he also knew the person. Why did Avraham succeed where his ancestors failed?
The big change from Noah’s generation to Avraham’s is not in the patriarchs; it’s G-d’s . The first 20 generations of humanity are based on the Divine supposition that it is possible to create a world based on a G-dly ideal. With Avraham, G-d changes his tack. Instead of trying to create a perfect world in which humans will diligently comply, G-d chooses to put Avraham through his paces, giving him the famous 10 trials of faith which will prove his worthiness to be the representative of G-d on earth. Knowing the context and the rules of the game through his great great….grandfather, Avraham is well suited to the task. He therefore transcends the Heavenly expectations; he will not only become a faithful servant of G-d, but also a vocal advocate for humanity, taking on our cause when we turn out to be, well, human.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi/Hazzan David B. Sislen
The big change from Noah’s generation to Avraham’s is not in the patriarchs; it’s G-d’s . The first 20 generations of humanity are based on the Divine supposition that it is possible to create a world based on a G-dly ideal. With Avraham, G-d changes his tack. Instead of trying to create a perfect world in which humans will diligently comply, G-d chooses to put Avraham through his paces, giving him the famous 10 trials of faith which will prove his worthiness to be the representative of G-d on earth. Knowing the context and the rules of the game through his great great….grandfather, Avraham is well suited to the task. He therefore transcends the Heavenly expectations; he will not only become a faithful servant of G-d, but also a vocal advocate for humanity, taking on our cause when we turn out to be, well, human.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi/Hazzan David B. Sislen
