Sometimes people curse those who bless them.
This is a message that emerges from the beginning of Parshat Lech Lecha. Hashem conveys to Avraham the significance of his future generations, saying, “ואברכה מברכיך” – I will bless those who bless you, “ומקללך אאר” – I will curse those who curse you, and “ונברכו בך כל משפחת האדמה” – and all families on earth will be blessed through you.
This prompts a crucial question: if every family on earth is blessed through the existence of the Jewish people, why do some still choose to curse us?
In a thin white set of Sefarim I received for my Bar Mitzvah, Sefer Mayana Shel Torah, it is noted that sometimes people are in denial regarding those who bring them blessings. Or, sometimes they recognize it, but out of the hatred that’s burning in their hearts, they only seek our downfall, even though they benefit from us daily.
That is what Hashem is saying to Avraham.
The Jewish people will be a blessing for all civilization, but that won’t stop anti-Jewish sentiment from existing. This phenomenon is not limited to the Jewish people; it also applies to the State of Israel. Israel has given the world remarkable innovations, from advancements in technology to improvements in healthcare.
Israel is a blessing to all of humankind. Yet, even with these contributions, many do not recognize them and some still harbor an anti-Israel bias.
Hashem’s message to Avraham is clear: regardless of how our actions are perceived, we must continue to shed the proper light in this world.
Sunshine produces light but can also create shade. In the midst of darkness, the sun continues to shine.
This is Hashem’s enduring message to the Jewish people: regardless of the way that people view you, nonetheless, always be true to the mission that I give you to shed light within our fragile world.
Let us pray together with praise and gratitude to Hashem for the great miracle we have witnessed - the release and safe return of the living hostages. With hearts full of thanks, we acknowledge His endless kindness and mercy, and we pray that those who have returned home find healing, strength, and peace after all they have endured.
We also continue to pray for the release of the remaining hostage bodies and Divine Protection over our courageous IDF soldiers, police officers, medical teams, firefighters, ZAKA members, security forces, and every individual who stands in defense of our people - in Israel and throughout the world.
May all who are in need, be blessed with healing, yeshuot, shidduchim, children, and parnassah tova, and may we be blessed to have just continuous joy and to only go from one simcha through to the next, the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, happy, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual and sweet Shabbat.
NUMBER OF MITZVOT: 1
MITZVOT ASEH: 1
MITZVOT LO TAASEH: 0
NUMBER OF PESUKIM: 126
NUMBER OF WORDS: 1686
NUMBER OF LETTERS: 6336
HAFTORA:
Yeshayahu 40:27 - 41:16
