Rabbi Frand on Parshas Lech Lecha
These divrei Torah were adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher
Frand's Commuter Chavrusah Tapes on the weekly portion: Tape # 256, Must
Mohel go to baby?
Dedicated This Year Le'eluy Nishmas Chaya Bracha Bas R. Yissocher Dov -
- In memory of Mrs. Adele Frand
A "Sneak Preview" of History
One of the themes of Sefer [the book of] Bereshis is "ma'aseh avos siman
l'banim" -- that the actions of the forefathers foreshadow similar events
for their children. Sefer Bereshis is a virtual blueprint of what will
happen to our nation during its history. The experiences of the Avos
[Patriarchs] provide us with the strength to endure.
In Parshas Lech Lecha we learn of the famous battle between "The Four Kings
and the Five Kings". I once heard the following insight from Rav Nachman
Bulman regarding the "prophecy to the children" implicit in this war. Rav
Bulman said that if you ask people "When did the first World War begin?"
they will answer reflexively "1914". However, Rav Bulman says, that is the
wrong answer. The first World War occurred in this week's parsha.
What happened in this precedent-setting battle? How did the war between the
four kings and the five kings eventually end? A hostage was taken (Avraham's
nephew, Lot). Who then became involved in the middle of the first world war?
Our patriarch, Abraham. This is the prophetic foreshadowing.
When major historical events occur and when nations are fighting against
other nations, we must hold our breath. One thing is certain: Jews will
become involved, one way or another.
A recent example occurred when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The United States sent
250,000 troops to Kuwait. What did that have to do with the Jews? But all of
a sudden, the Jews were pulled in the middle of it. "We (Iraq) will give up
Kuwait, if the Jews give up the territories they captured."
I never understood when I learned in history classes about "The Big Lie".
How can people be so stupid that they believe something that is patently
false? The first time Sadam Hussein made this analogy, people dismissed it
as ridiculous. There is obviously no comparison between Iraq's occupation of
Kuwait and Israel's occupation of territories won defending herself in the
Six Day War. But Sadam Hussein repeated the lie and repeated it and
eventually people start saying, "Yes, he has a point there." That is an
example of "The Big Lie".
Inevitably, when nations begin fighting and war spreads across the globe -
watch out! Somehow, they will involve the Jews. This concept is foreshadowed
right here in Parshas Lech Lecha: "It transpired in the days of Amrafel,
King of Shinaar..." [Bereshis 14:1]
The Medrash states "If you see nations fighting with one another, wait (in
anticipation)". Sometimes the connection will be immediately obvious, some
times it will be understood in 5 weeks or 5 months or 5 years or 50 years.
But the Medrash advises us - wait and see - inevitably it will concern the
Jews.
Why Solicit Avraham For The Rescue of Lot?
After the capture of Lot, the pasuk [verse] says, "the survivor came and
related this to Avram the Ivri [Hebrew]" [14:13]. Why does the Torah use the
adjective "the Hebrew" to describe Avram, specifically at this time? The
Torah speaks of Avram in many places without referring to him by this title.
I saw a terrific explanation from the Beis Av by Rav Elyakim Schlessinger.
The Medrash says that Avram was called 'Ivri', because "the entire world was
on one side (ever echad), and he was on the other side (evar hasheni)". The
definition of a Jew is "everyone is on one side, and I am on the other
side." The whole world was into paganism and Avram came along and said "No!
G-d is One!"
Why did the "survivor" come to Avram to effect Lot's rescue? Avram and Lot
had already parted ways, not under the best of circumstances. Why didn't the
"survivor" seek help from Lot's friends and neighbors?
The survivor came to Avram, precisely because he is Avram, the Ivri. When in
need of a person to go out and put his life in danger in order to save
someone else, we need a person who is willing to diverge from "common
practice" and follow the path that the Torah instructs. If the Torah
commands "Do not stand idly by over the blood of your fellow man" then that
is precisely what he will do. This is the only help that is truly reliable.
Everyone else will have an excuse - except the Ivri!
Transcribed by David Twersky; Seattle, Washington.
Technical Assistance by Dovid Hoffman; Yerushalayim.
This write-up was adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher
Frand's Commuter Chavrusah Torah Tape series on the weekly Torah portion.
The complete list of halachic topics covered in this series for Parshas Lech
Lecha are provided below:
- Tape # 028 - Conversion (Geirus)
- Tape # 070 - Bris Milah: The Metzizah Controversy
- Tape # 119 - Conversion for Ulterior Motives
- Tape # 166 - The Childless Couple in Halacha
- Tape # 212 - Non-Jews and the Mitzvah of Kibbud Av
- Tape # 256 - Mohel and Baby: Who Goes to Whom
- Tape # 302 - The Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel
- Tape # 346 - Trading Terrorists for Hostages
- Tape # 390 - Geirus -- Mitzvah, Reshus, or Issur?
- Tape # 434 - Anesthesia During Milah
- Tape # 478 - Sandik -- Can You Change Your Mind?
- Tape # 522 - Calling Avraham, Avrum
New! Yad Yechiel Institute is on-line! Visit http://www.yadyechiel.org !For information via email, you may also write to tapes@yadyechiel.org. Tapes or a complete catalogue can be ordered from: Yad Yechiel Institute
PO Box 511
Owings Mills, MD 21117-0511
Call (410) 358-0416 for further information.
Also Available: Mesorah / Artscroll has published a collection of Rabbi Frand's essays. The book is entitled: Rabbi Yissocher Frand: In Print and is available through your local Hebrew book store or from Project Genesis, 1-410-654-1799.
Rav Frand Books and Audio Tapes are now available for sale! Thanks to www.yadyechiel.org and Artscroll.com.
|
