To be a Brocha!
The Parsha begins with Hashem telling Avrom to leave his land, his birthplace and his father’s house to go to a land that would be shown to him. Hashem then told Avrom that if he did so, he would be made into a great nation, he would be blessed, his name would become great and והיה ברכה – he would be a blessing.
Rashi explains והיה ברכה to mean that Avrohom will possess the key to giving Brochos to others. The Meforshim bring a Gemora in בבא בתרא (טז:) regarding the extent to which Avrohom became a vehicle of Brocha for the world. The Gemora says that Avrohom was well versed in astrology and all the kings would arrive at his door, seeking his advice regarding physical matters. Reb Shimon Ben Yochai adds - a precious stone hung from Avrohom’s neck and any sick person who looked at it was instantly healed. In fact, this also refers to people who were sick spiritually – that they found healing by Avrohom through his teachings. The Rashbo explains how Avrohom was a “Chochom HaSholeim” - he knew all physical and spiritual wisdom on earth and so was able to help people in every way. As a result, thousands of people came to bask in his presence and in every aspect, both physical and spiritual, they were positively inspired by Avrohom who exuded every good Middoh, he davened for them and brought Simcha and Brocha to all in true fulfillment of והיה ברכה!
Avrohom’s impact went further too. The מדרש רבה (לט:י"א) notes that even ships at sea which were caught in storms were saved in the zechus of Avrohom. The פירוש עץ יוסף asks, why does the Medrash need to mention this point? He gives a beautiful answer: one might have thought that the positive effect that Avrohom had was only on people in his vicinity. Therefore, the Medrash teaches us that the entire world was influenced by Avrohom, and even ships which were thousands of miles away were saved from storms in the zechus of the Brocha that Avrohom brought to the world!
Klal Yisroel are the descendants of Avrohom and have inherited his traits. And so, we too have the ability to be a source of Brocha and encouragement to others. We can do so by exuding good cheer and positivity, and through this, massively impacting our family, friends and communities for the good.
The following story demonstrates how vital a Godol B’Yisroel felt it is to be a source of positivity to others. It was Erev Shabbos, only hours before candle lighting. The phone rang in the home of Reb Nosson Zev Nussbaum. It was the Mashgiach, Reb Mattisyahu Salomon zt”l. After greeting him warmly, the Mashgiach asked, “Perhaps it’s possible to find a dentist who will still treat me before Shabbos. I really need a dentist today.” “Oh!” Reb Nosson Zev commiserated, “if the Mashgiach is calling now, he must be in tremendous pain. Otherwise, he would wait until after Shabbos.” “No,” Rav Mattisyahu replied, “I can manage with the pain. The reason for the urgency is that the dental issue that I have is preventing me from smiling a full smile. Tonight, the entire Yeshiva will file past me to wish me a “Gut Shabbos”, expecting me to give them a full smile. Some people wait for this smile all week. If I don’t go to the dentist and have the problem fixed, I won’t be able to give them a full smile!”
This story truly emphasises the importance of bringing joy and goodness to others. By finding ways to do so, we will be fortunate to continue in the path of Avrohom - of והיה ברכה – and indeed bring much Brocha to the world!
