Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1)
I am HaShem, your G-d, who took you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery
Which individual has had the greatest impact on humanity?
Surely, it's Abraham, who is told to start his mission in this week’s Parsha with the words Lech Lecha - go to yourself.
Abraham is known primarily for two things. His recognition of HaShem Echad, The Lord is One (monotheism), and his kindness - his tent was open on all four sides for all to enter.
This is not by chance. Abraham’s discovery of faith and kindness went hand-in-hand.
What is the intrinsic connection?
Abraham was a seeker. He was seeking the truth about this world and the truth about himself. He explored many ideas and faiths until he found HaShem. When that happened he started to resonate because he found his match. He didn’t find himself, rather, he found something even more profound, his potential and that is what being in the image of G-d really means.
Most significantly, he found a G-d of kindness and immediately understood that was his mission as well.
Fascinatingly, in the same vein, Rabbi Avraham son of the Rambam includes in his classification of the Mitzvot all the mitzvot of kindness like giving charity and taking care of the underprivileged in the first of the Ten Commandments, I am HaShem, your G-d
Lech Lecha - go to yourself - go, meet your maker, and find your real self.
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