In last week’s Parsha we learn about the first 75 years of Avraham Avinu’s life in just a few pesukim. Only in this week’s Parsha onwards do we get a full play by play of what happens to Avraham Avinu. Why does the story of Avraham Avinu begin with the command of Hashem “Lech Lecha” and not beforehand with many other monumental events including him being thrown into a fire for his beliefs which is only alluded to through a handful of words?!

 

The answer lies in what it means to be a Jew that serves Hashem. To be an oved Hashem means to leave behind any personal agenda that we may have and surrender to Hashem. That means that we do what Hashem wants not what we desire. Even if we want something that seems spiritual and inspiring sometimes it’s not what Hashem wants, and we need to surrender to His will.

 

Before “Lech Lecha” everything Avraham did was based on his own understanding. He discovered Hashem using his own mind to reach that conclusion. Although very noble, it was not yet the ultimate surrender because it was all based on his own conviction and conclusions. Then came the command from Hashem “Lech Lecha” go and follow me to where I will show you. Now it’s time to surrender to my plan. When Avraham obeys and submitted, he became a real Jew and the real story of the Jewish people begins.

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