Lech Lecha
Noach
When people curse those who bless them…
D’VAR TORAH
Sometimes people curse those who bless
them.
This is a message that emerges from the
beginning of Parshat Lech Lecha. Hashem
conveys to Avraham the significance of his
future generations, saying, “Va'avarechah
mevarecheicha” – I will bless those who bless
you, “umekallelcha a'or” – I will curse those
who curse you, and “venivrechu vecha kol
mishpechot ha'adamah” – and all families on
earth will be blessed through you.
This prompts a crucial question: if every
family on earth is blessed through the
existence of the Jewish people, why do some
still choose to curse us?
In Sefer Mayana Shel Torah, it is noted that
sometimes people are in denial regarding
those who bring them blessings. Or,
sometimes they recognise it, but out of the
hatred that’s burning in their hearts, they only
seek our downfall, even though they benefit
from us daily.
That is what Hashem is saying to Avraham.
The Jewish people will be a blessing for all
civilization, but that won’t stop anti-Jewish
sentiment from existing
This phenomenon is not limited to the Jewish
people; it also applies to the State of Israel.
Israel has given the world remarkable
innovations, from advancements in
technology to improvements in healthcare.
Israel is a blessing to all of humankind.
Yet, even with these contributions, many do
not recognise them and some still harbour an
anti-Israel bias.
Hashem’s message to Avraham is clear:
regardless of how our actions are perceived,
we must continue to shed the proper light in
this world.
Sunshine produces light but can also create
shade. In the midst of darkness, the sun
continues to shine.
This is Hashem’s enduring message to the
Jewish people: regardless of the way that
people view you, nonetheless, always be true
to the mission that I give you to shed light
within our fragile world.
Shabbat Shalom.