(Based on a ma’amer written by R’ Yisrael Rot shlita)
In this week’s parsha (12:1), the Torah relates Hashem’s command to Avraham Avinu:
“Go forth from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.”
The wording of the pasuk is difficult. Seemingly, it should have stated, “to the land that I will show you (אראה לך).” Instead, the Torah says, "el ha'aretz asher areka” (“to the land that I will show”), an expression which can also be understood as, “the land through which I will show you.”
The holy Minchas Elazar of Munkatch explains in the name of Tzadik Echad that Hashem was conveying a profound message to Avraham. Hashem was not merely directing him to a geographical destination. Rather, Hashem was telling him: I want the world to see you.
Hashem wanted mankind to observe Avraham’s noble character, refined conduct, and unwavering faith. Through witnessing how he conducted himself in every situation, people would come to recognize the Creator and draw closer to Him. Avraham’s mission was not simply to teach belief in Hashem through words, but to embody that belief through every aspect of his life.
Hashem wanted Avraham Avinu to spread emunah throughout the world, but primarily through the power of personal example. The way he lived, spoke, acted, and interacted with others should be a beacon of light that would illuminate the path of faith for countless people.
This lesson is as relevant today as ever.
Shortly after Sukkos 5786, a major gathering of Ichud Bnei HaYeshivos and Amudei Olam was held, attended by many of the leading Gedolei Yisrael. At the event, Rabbi David Broverman shlita, one of the foremost figures in the world of kiruv, shared a remarkable story about a man whom he knows personally.
The story concerns a Jew named David P., a lawyer who immigrated to Eretz Yisrael from the United States. At the time, he was entirely secular. Motivated by his belief in the Zionist ideal, he volunteered for military service.
Because of his professional background, he was assigned to work in the army induction center’s department responsible for processing yeshivah bochurim seeking exemptions from military service.
Before beginning his role, he was given the standard portrayal of yeshivah bochurim as “draft dodgers” and “parasites.” Yet the reality he encountered was vastly different.
As he observed the yeshivah bochurim who passed through the office, he was astonished. While many recruits spent their waiting time idly, these young men utilized every available moment learning Torah. They sat with seforim open before them, learning with enthusiasm, concentration, and genuine joy.
Day after day, David met hundreds of such bochurim. Their sincerity, refinement, and conviction made a profound impression upon him. He found himself questioning whether these exceptional young men could honestly be described by the labels he had been taught.
One day, an avreich approached his desk visibly distressed. Earlier that day he had accidentally left behind a personal folder of immense importance.
David asked what the folder contained.
The avreich replied that it contained the Torah insights and chiddushim upon which he had labored for many years.
“There is nothing more precious to me in this world,” he explained.
Although relieved that the loss did not involve money or legal complications, David was deeply moved by the avreich's anguish. He promised to do everything possible to recover the folder.
After a thorough search, the folder was found.
David immediately contacted the avreich and, going beyond the call of duty, offered to drive it personally to his Beis HaMedrash in Bnei Brak.
The gratitude expressed by the avreich only intensified David's curiosity about the Torah world.
When he arrived at the Beis HaMedrash, the avreich thanked him profusely and asked how he could repay the favor.
David replied:
“I would like you to explain one thing to me. What do people mean when they say, 'Toraso Umanuso'?”
The avreich smiled and answered:
“Taste it, and you will understand.”
David accepted the invitation.
Each week he would visit the avreich and receive a small “taste” of Torah learning. Those brief sessions ignited within him a thirst for knowledge. Question after question arose concerning Torah, Jewish history, and the transmission of our sacred mesorah.
Eventually, the avreich suggested that he attend an Arachim Seminar, where many of his questions could be addressed.
David and his wife attended.
There they discovered answers they had searched for throughout their lives.
The experience transformed them.
They committed themselves wholeheartedly to a Torah way of life. David embraced a life centered around Torah learning and mitzvah observance. Today he learns day and night in one of the prominent kollelim of Bnei Brak and his children have grown into outstanding bnei Torah.
David often remarks:
“I returned the avreich's lost folder, but the avreich returned to me the lost treasure of my life."
Rabbi Broverman concluded by revealing that the former American lawyer had a son who was seated among the audience that evening.
Upon reflection, the lesson is extraordinary.
The avreich merely sat and wrote his Torah thoughts, preserving them carefully in a folder. Could he ever have imagined that those pages of chiddushei Torah would serve as the catalyst for transforming an entire family from a life devoid of Torah observance into one immersed in Torah and mitzvos?
Surely not.
Yet that is precisely what happened.
The quiet dignity of a ben Torah, coupled with the power of authentic personal example, altered the course of an entire family’s destiny.
The truth is that every ben Torah exerts an influence far greater than he realizes.
The Alter of Kelm famously taught that when a Jew strengthens himself spiritually in one corner of the world, a Jew somewhere else is strengthened as well. The effects of Torah growth and spiritual elevation ripple throughout Creation in ways that are often invisible to the human eye.
When a ben Torah toils in Torah, he generates spiritual energy that benefits not only Klal Yisrael, but the entire world.
As the Navi Yirmiyahu declares:
"If not for My covenant day and night, I would not have established the laws of heaven and earth."
Rashi explains that this refers to the covenant of Torah, teaching us that the very existence of Heaven and Earth depends upon Torah study.
The continued existence of Klal Yisrael does not ultimately rest upon military strength, economic prosperity, or political influence. It rests upon Torah, kedushah, and devotion to Hashem.
As we proclaim each day:
“For they are our life and the length of our days.”
May we learn from Avraham Avinu, whose every action inspired those around him, and may we never underestimate the influence of our own actions. Even the smallest deed performed with sincerity and dedication to Hashem can change lives, shape destinies, and illuminate the world in ways that we may never fully comprehend.