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The beginning of our Torah portion this week, Parashat Lech Lecha, tells us something very powerful about our ability to bring blessings into this world. Genesis, chapter 12, verse 3, states the following in reference to Abraham and Sarah and their offspring; "I will bless those who bless you, and he who curses you I will curse; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you."
The first two parts of this verse may not be surprising. We can easily understand why God would wish to bestow blessings upon those who bless us and curses upon those who curse at us and treat us wickedly. If we are beloved by God and if we are dear to God then perhaps we can even expect this sort of treatment.
However, the 3rd part of this verse is harder to decipher. What does it mean that all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by us, and why would this be the case?
It seems that this statement should not be taken as praise but rather can be understood as indeed a precious responsibility. If other nations and families are to be blessed based somehow upon our actions, this must mean that it is incumbent upon us to behave in as positive and enlightening a manner as we possibly can. As such, there is a notion that we Jews are instructed to strive to be a "light unto the nations."
We can only provide inspiration and blessing to others if we are acting like our best selves. Our world certainly needs and craves blessings now as much as at any time throughout history. These words in our parsha should provide motivation and encouragement for us to remember our sacred responsibility, not only to each other, but to all the families of the world, to always seek and strive for blessings to the very best of our ability.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
[email protected]
917-696-0749
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