Wednesday, Mar-Cheshvan 10, 5781 / October 28, 2020

This week's Parsha, Lech Lecha, covers a span of twenty four years in the life of Abraham and Sarah.  The Parsha begins with Abraham, at the age of 75, and Sarah, at age 65, arriving in the land of Canaan (The Promised Land). It concludes with Abraham being circumcised at the age of 99.

In this Parsha G-d promises Abraham that his children will inherit the land of Israel: "G-d said to Abraham... Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are; northward, southward, eastward and westward, for all the land which you see, to you I will give it and to your seed forever." G-d promises Abraham that, like the dust of the earth which cannot be counted, so too, will be his seed - the people of Israel. Thus, the Land of Israel was promised by G-d to the people of Israel over 3500 years ago!

The Parsha describes many of the trials which Abraham endured after moving to Canaan. One such experience happened when his nephew, Lot, was captured in the war between the four and five kings.

With only 318 men, Abraham battled the mighty armies of the four kings, won the battle and freed his nephew.

After this episode, the Torah tells us that G-d appeared in a vision to Abraham and said to him, "Fear not Abraham, I am your shield, your reward shall be exceedingly great."

Abraham, who was childless, asked G-d, "What good is the reward when I have no heir to inherit it?" The Torah tells us that G-d took him outside and said to him, "Look towards the heaven and count the stars if you can number them... So shall your seed be."

Q.   What is the significance and lesson that the Jewish people are likened to the stars?

A.   The stars appear small to one who looks at them from the earth - below.  However, the closer one gets to the stars, the larger they appear. Only from above can one appreciate their true size.  So too, said G-d, the people of Israel may  appear small and insignificant, but it is only to those below, from My point they are important and great.

The Baal Shem Tov says: If a person looks small and insignificant to another, it may be only due to the distance between the two. Should the two become closer, they may find a totally different picture; a bright and shining light.

Another explanation is that as a result of the stars shining at night, one who walks in the dark will find guidance and direction. G-d tells Abraham that his children, the children of Israel, will be a light unto the nations, like the shining stars, to illuminate the darkness of the world, through the light of Torah and mitzvot.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY