Parashat Lech Lecha
Joseph Gindi, Jewish Studies Teacher
God said to Avram, “Go forth: from your land, from your kindred, from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. And I will bless you; I will make your name great. And you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2)
In Tanach (Bible) am or goy refers to a large social group that traces common lineage to a founding figure, and may have territorial holdings. It doesn’t have the civic, sovereign, or political connotations that the term “nation” would take on in the 19th century. So, in this context, goy gadol, a great or numerous nation, clearly refers to the promise of many descendants. And yet, reading these words this week, I’m struck by a question many of us may be asking in the wake of the election. What makes a nation great?
Rashi, a medieval Jewish commentary, understands the three promises God gives to Avram as recompense for the burden of leaving his birthplace and moving to an uncertain destination “that I will show you.” This kind of travel, according to Rashi, decreases one’s wealth, one’s reputation, and one’s ability to have children. And so, God blesses Avram with numerous descendants, wealth, and a great name. It’s easier to go on a journey with an unclear destination if you can be assured that it would be successful.
In reading Rashi’s commentary, I’m struck that the two promises of material abundance – descendants and wealth, are linked with reputation – the perception others have of us based on our public conduct. For real blessings, material abundance isn’t enough.
More intensely than in other transitions of power, our country is about to go on quite a journey, and many of us may feel that the destination is quite uncertain. We don’t know whether our population will be supported, whether our prosperity will be broadly shared, or whether the conduct of our leaders will positively impact those living within the US, and the many across the globe impacted by our power.
In setting out on his journey Avram had the benefit of God’s promises. While the destination was uncertain, his success was assured. As we embark on this new national journey I’m holding the uncertainty of not knowing where we are going or whether we will succeed.
