Is our future destined by factors beyond our control, our genes, our upbringing, our environment, or our age or are we capable of growth and change at any age? Judaism clearly argues the latter, that up until the day we die we have the capacity to change, to grow, to become better and more capable people, to use our God-given talents and potential for good. Just a month ago we sat together at Yom Kippur, young and old. We prayed, we confessed our shortcomings, and we vowed to do better in the coming year. What could be a more optimistic view of human nature and the capacity for growth and change than that. In a sense we are commanded to always continue to change and grow. In this week’s Torah portion we see that in the life of Abraham. God calls him, “God said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and 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) The entire Jewish story begins with a challenge from God to Abraham to move from a place he knows and where he feels at home to an unknown place of discomfort. The challenge is great, but the price is growth for himself and to become a blessing for all humanity. As we read in our Rosh Hashanah liturgy, “You stayed long enough in this place, God said. Time to go forward. Turn your face to the future.” It is a new year, let’s answer God’s call and become our best selves.
Lech-Lecha, Genesis 12:1-17:27, Parashat Hashavua for October 28, 2023
October 26, 2023 by Dean Kertesz • Drashot
Is our future destined by factors beyond our control, our genes, our upbringing, our environment, or our age or are we capable of growth and change at any age? Judaism clearly argues the latter, that up until the day we die we have the capacity to change, to grow, to become better and more capable people, to use our God-given talents and potential for good. Just a month ago we sat together at Yom Kippur, young and old. We prayed, we confessed our shortcomings, and we vowed to do better in the coming year. What could be a more optimistic view of human nature and the capacity for growth and change than that. In a sense we are commanded to always continue to change and grow. In this week’s Torah portion we see that in the life of Abraham. God calls him, “God said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and 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) The entire Jewish story begins with a challenge from God to Abraham to move from a place he knows and where he feels at home to an unknown place of discomfort. The challenge is great, but the price is growth for himself and to become a blessing for all humanity. As we read in our Rosh Hashanah liturgy, “You stayed long enough in this place, God said. Time to go forward. Turn your face to the future.” It is a new year, let’s answer God’s call and become our best selves.