One man alone defied all the odds. Despite being opposed by the entire political establishment, the mainstream media apparatus and with the scientific data stacked against him, somehow, Donald Trump managed to win the elections to become the 45th president of the United States of America. Like so many millions around the world, I was in utter disbelief when I saw the returns on Tuesday evening. Regardless of your preference this time around, the outcome of this election was one of a kind.
In this week’s parsha we learn of a single man that introduced a foreign idea to humanity at his time. Upon discovering G-d, Abraham set out on the daunting and often dangerous mission to bring the message of One Creator to the world. He was utterly alone in his position. Ridiculed and persecuted by the greatest monarch of the time, even the threat of death would not weaken his stance of what he knew to be true.
Abraham ultimately prevailed, and monotheism has been the dominating religious perspective of most of humanity for millennia. He followed G-d’s instruction to move away from his home to the Land of Canaan, becoming the patriarch of the Jewish Nation – the chosen people charged to be ambassadors of G-d to the world.
The overarching lesson of the fascinating story of Abraham is clear: Even one single person can make a profound difference despite an avalanche of naysayers.
This week’s events proved this idea in all it’s fascinating glory: There is no excuse for you to lift your hands in despair because everyone is against you. When there is a will, there is a way.
As a people, our religious convictions and observances are challenged by the argument that we are a tiny minority. We must know that there is no reason to be intimidated. Be secure in the knowledge that we are the offspring of Abraham, who bequeathed to each one of us the ability to fight for justice, goodness and faith in one G-d. There are challenges, but they don’t matter. We have a divine mission to accomplish – and accomplish we will!
Judaism teaches us to pray for the well-being of our government. We deliver heartfelt prayers that our current president should succeed in continuing to lead or country for the final two months of his term and that the president-elect should succeed in leading this great nation as it continues to be a beacon of light to the entire world of liberty and justice for all.