Avraham Avinu (our Patriarch Abraham) found special favor in the eyes of God. The reason for this is given explicitly in the verse in this week’s Torah reading (18:19), as it says:
“For I know him that he will instruct his children and his household to follow him, to keep the way of God and to do kindness and justice.” Rashi comments that the expression “I know him,” implies that he was particularly loved by God.
A Lone Soldier
Apparently, the fact the he alone followed the way of God and did kindness and justice, did not merit this special fondness of God. It was specifically the fact that he was teaching others to follow suit that promoted him to this intense love by God.
This should serve as an inspiration for us to follow Avraham’s ways so that we too gain this special level of love by God.
A number of years ago, I went with a group of people to meet the Rosh Yeshivah (Dean) of the Philadelphia Yeshivah (school for Talmud study) – Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky. We gathered around him in a room, and after hearing words of wisdom from the Rosh Yeshivah, we had the opportunity to ask him questions on any topic. After gathering up some courage, I posed the following question to the Rosh Yeshivah in front of the group:
Focus On Yourself
“As a parent, what should be the primary point to focus on in educating a child to grow up with good character?” His answer to me was: “The main thing you should focus on is your own self-improvement. This is the most profound way to influence your child to have good character.”
This concept is not limited to parents of young children or those who are in the field of education. In the morning prayers, every day before we recite the Shema, we ask of the Almighty to grant us wisdom to learn, to teach, and to practice the laws of the Torah.
Why did our sages include a request to grant us wisdom to teach, in a prayer that is meant to be said by all? Seemingly, such a request would not be applicable to those who are not actively involved in
education.
Influencing Others
Says Rabbi Moshe Feinstein: Every single Jew is by definition involved in education. We are supposed to constantly be a model in the way we act, for all who see us. Each and every one of us serves as an example as to the proper way one should conduct himself, by the means of his own actions.
Indeed, we all have the opportunity to teach others to follow the ways of the Torah through our own example. Moreover, with this in mind, we are introduced to a whole new level of responsibility for our actions.
No matter in which capacity we serve, we are charged with being role models for those surrounding us. The decisions we make in life and the way we conduct ourselves will inevitably influence others.
Model Elevation
We must always have in mind to see to it that we serve as the proper model in displaying fine character traits as we follow the ways of God. We should not underestimate the influence that our example has upon on others; especially on our youth.
And if we truly succeed in modeling for others how to conduct themselves in a more elevated fashion, we too can merit special favor in the Eyes of God.
By Rabbi Yitzchok Aryeh Strimber. Reply with comments or questions to torah4every1@gmail.com.
