Rabbis' Blog

I was recently asked by several friends, in separate conversations, how I measure my success in my mission as a Chabad rabbi. “Is your goal to have a large synagogue filled with congregants? When will you be satisfied with your work?” The questions were posed in distinct contexts, necessitating my responses to differ in articulation but remain the same at its core.

In this week’s parsha we learn of the adventures of Avraham, the first Jew. What is striking about the Torah narrative about this fascinating and most consequential figure is that it begins when he is 75 years old. Other than the fact that he was born to Terach and married Sarai, the Torah devotes zero space to the accomplishments of his youth up until he was well in his seventies.

Clearly, while every word in the Torah is a literal description of what occurred, its purpose is not to be a historical record. Thousands of stories and details of our rich history were transmitted through tradition and later recorded in the Talmud and Midrash. The word “Torah” is etymologically linked to the word “Hora’ah” which means “lesson” or “instruction.” It follows that historical details recorded clearly in the Torah serve as a lesson for all time.

In our case, what can be the purpose of the Torah opening the narrative of Avraham’s unique relationship with G-d at the point of “Lech Lecha” when he is already advanced in age, disregarding the fascinating story of how he discovered G-d and courageously sanctified His name against the most powerful leaders of the time?

Avraham’s heroic exploits prior to “Lech Lecha” were his own initiative. He recognized the fallacy of idolatry and the truth of the Creator on his own, and began promoting this ideology without prompting or direction from Above.

At age 75 Avraham experienced something new. He was commanded by G-d to do something - and he obeyed. To travel away from his homeland, birthplace, and family to a land of G-d’s choice. This challenge certainly pales in comparison to risking his life for his beliefs, but this was the first time he strengthened his relationship with G-d on G-d’s terms.

By opening the history of Avraham at the point where his behavior is based on divine instruction, the Torah teaches us the core of our relationship with G-d and our ability to change the world: Follow His instructions carefully and great things will happen.

This is the template I try to use when measuring meaningful success. G-d’s instructions are clearly articulated in the Code of Jewish Law and in the vast corpus of Torah literature and if my day resembles the model found therein - I can take that to the bank.

Of course we have an ambitious vision for the future of the local Jewish community. But it is the day-to-day interactions and mitzvot that happen as a result that define our success. Providing a fellow Jew the opportunity to wear Tefillin, learning Torah for ten minutes with someone or inspiring a child to give some charity are the small things that make every day a huge success. Because these are the things G-d wants - and our greatest gift is the ability to get them done.

It's frustrating to see others make wrong choices and even worse when they ignore good critique and advice for the future. Many well intentioned preachers fail to inspire and the question is: why?

This week's parsha opens with G-d notifying Noach that the corrupt society he lived in would be destroyed in an epic flood and that he will father a new world. To save himself, he is instructed to build a box-like boat large enough for his family, a pair of every animal species and provisions to last one year.

Noach got to work without delay. After all, it's not every day G-d provides you detailed building plans and articulates how much is at stake. Yet, despite the urgency, the construction project lasted for 120 years!

Everyone involved in construction knows that rarely is a project finished ahead of schedule. But 120 years seems to be an exaggeration by any stretch. What took so long?

Building the Ark was an instruction given exclusively to Noach. He alone prepared the materials and single handedly constructed the mammoth ship. G-d made it a solo project so that it be prolonged and drawn out in order to attract the attention of humanity. Every day that Noach labored over the strange box people inquired about it and he shared G-d’s message of impending doom - hoping they would change their ways.

The Ark’s century-long construction was the grandest advertisement of G-d’s intentions for the future and the loudest wake up call for humanity to repent. But alas, Noach’s warnings fell on deaf ears, the Great Flood became a reality and all was lost.

Over a thousand years later, Moshe faced a similar scenario. The Israelites had sinned with the Golden Calf and G-d decreed their complete annihilation. Unlike Noach in his time, Moshe effectively inspired the Israelites to repentance and successfully convinced G-d to rescind the terrible decree.

Why did Moshe succeed and Noach fail?

Moshe selflessly cared for the Jewish nation to the point that he boldly declared “If You (G-d) plan to destroy them, it will be over my dead body!” So when he admonished them for sinning it was not in order to fulfill his obligation to G-d but because he truly cared for their physical and spiritual welfare.

Noach, on the other hand, obediently constructed the Ark and warned his generation as an expression of his devotion to G-d, but not because he truly cared about his listeners.

The historical contrast between Noach and Moshe provides a crystal clear perspective on how to effectively inspire people to be better: Truly care for them. Work hard to find the right words and methods to get your message across. And if all else fails, say a genuine prayer on their behalf.

Because no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.