At the commencement of Parshat Lech Lecha, Hashem commands Avraham and Sara to make aliyah, a pilgrimage, to the land that He would show them, the land of Canaan. Hashem promises, “ואעשך לגוי גדול - I will make you into a great nation,” “ואברכך - and I will bless you,” “ואגדלה שמך - and I will make your name great.”
The Gemara in Masechet Pesachim, brought down by Rashi, explains that the commencement of our Amidah, our central prayer when we stand before Hashem three times a day, is based on this text.
The Torah tells us that Hashem said to Avraham, “ואעשך לגוי גדול - I will make you into a great nation.” That’s why we proclaim, “אלהי אברהם – G-d is the G-d of Avraham.”
Hashem continued, “ואברכך - and I will bless you.” That’s why we say, “אלהי יצחק - the God of Isaac.”
Finally came the third statement, “ואגדלה שמך - and I will make your name great.” That’s why we say “אלהי יעקב - the God of Jacob.”
Now Rav Soloveitchik asks a great question.
We can understand the connection between the second statement, ‘I will bless you,’ and ‘אלהי יצחק.’ Avraham was blessed through Yitzchak, because Hashem blessed Avraham miraculously with a child (Yitzchak) when he was old. However, what is the connection between the third statement and ‘אלהי יעקב’ – that is, in what way did Avraham’s ‘name become great’ through Yaakov?
Rav Soloveikchik explains beautifully. He says that when it comes to parenting, it’s a marvelous achievement to see one’s child walking in one’s footsteps. But it’s an even greater achievement to witness one’s grandchildren emulating one’s ways. That is exactly what Avraham achieved through Yaakov having internalized the values of his grandfather and who in his own right became a great person. Therefore we see that Avraham’s name became great through his grandchild.
A very important lesson emerges for us from this. Famous and renowned people can make national and global impacts but ultimately the most significant impact that anybody can make is within their own families.
So let’s all join as one family and let’s pray with all our hearts for the healing of all those injured, for the safe return of those taken as hostages, as well as Divine Protection for our brave IDF soldiers, Police officers, medical professionals, Firefighters, ZAKA members, security personnel and all those citizens protecting us in Israel as well as around the world, and for those who need healing, shidduchim, children or parnassah and may we be blessed to have the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual, safe, quiet and sweet Shabbat.
