Lech Lecha: Traveling Upward and Inward
I’m not a fan of air travel. Or any travel, for that matter. Seeing new places and old friends is wonderful; I enjoy that part. But I can dispense with the actual traveling.
My family just flew on a thirty-eight-seater airplane, the kind that tosses you around at the mere mention of turbulence. There’s nothing like grabbing for the baby who’s sliding off your lap, as you struggle to keep down your lunch, to make staying home appealing.
This week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, begins with G‑d instructing Abraham to set out on a journey, promising him, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.” Why these specific assurances? The commentaries explain that travel usually has a deleterious effect on our ability to raise children, our financial solvency and our reputation. G‑d addressed those concerns accordingly. The phrase “I will make you into a great nation” tells Abraham of numerous descendants; “I will bless you” refers to monetary success; and unlike a wandering, unknown stranger, “I will make your name great.”
Abraham’s voyage was not detrimental. On the contrary, it led to immeasurable gain. In our lives, we sometimes must travel from the comfortable status quo, but when we journey for a G‑dly purpose and our movements are guided by His word, we can only find blessing.
Happy travels!
Malkie Janowski,
Responder for the Ask the Rabbi team @ Chabad.org
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