Avrohom’s Divine Service
Avrohom was constantly working at reaching out to those around him. He was dedicated to drawing people close to the Shechinah – G-dly Presence. Due to his Divine service, he could rectify and refine the impurity of the nine generations that preceded him. He was, therefore, entitled to all of the rewards hanging in abeyance for those generations. He was not merely entitled to their reward; it was natural for their reward to manifest itself in Avrohom because of his service.
A Practical Lesson
The Talmud teaches us that "even Jews who are sinners are filled with Mitzvos as a pomegranate is filled with seeds." We are different and, therefore, focus on a different type of Mitzvah. Some focus on Torah study. Others concentrate on Mitzvos, which are between man and Hashem. Yet others emphasize Mitzvos, which govern our relationship with each other. This Mishnah teaches us the special significance of such Mitzvos. May we learn from our forefather Avrohom to spread G-dliness to those we come into contact with by drawing them close to ourselves.
(Adapted from a talk given on Shabbos Parshas Bechukosai, 5722)
