By: Rabbi Dayan Raphael Evers | Translated from Dutch by Marie-Louise Weissenböck
In the Torah, we read how Abraham's mission in world history began: "Go from your land... to the land I will show you..." (Genesis 12:1). Abraham is not given a clear direction. In the end, it turns out that his task lies in Israel, but his life's purpose was initially extremely unclear. This is also true for most people today. No one knows what their purpose on earth is. Why are we on this earth?
In earlier times, people had a much clearer understanding of their life's purpose. According to the Vilna Gaon (18th century), people consulted a prophet who could tell everyone what their life's purpose on Earth was. In this way, everyone knew what to focus on and what their personal challenge was. Now that we no longer have true prophets, no one can tell us what our life's purpose is.
Our task now is to do the right thing at all times, without knowing what our ultimate goal is. Abraham has gone before us in this as well. We are not capable of knowing what our purpose in life is. We must submit to God in humility and strive to do good in every situation God presents to us.
Each step a mission
Why did Abraham not receive a revelation about his destination? Rabbi Salomon Yitschaki (11th century, Worms) explains that God wanted to increase Abraham's reward. It is more difficult to go through life without a clear goal. This then deserves greater support in the form of God's closeness.
According to Rabbi Jerucham Levovitz (20th century, Israel), our merit is multiplied not only by the gnawing uncertainty but also by the fact that each step becomes a mitzvah (a divine commission). What was true for Abraham in his uncertainty is true for each of us. If Abraham had been commanded from the beginning to go to the Promised Land, the entire journey would have been considered one long mission. Since Abraham did not know his destination, he had to ask God and listen to Him at every step to know which path to follow. Each step thus became a new commission from God and a new task. It is difficult to live with so much uncertainty. The most important thing is that the uncertainty about our path allows us to reconnect with God with every decision and to constantly ask ourselves—not just at the beginning—what God requires of us.
Total devotion
To this day, Abraham remains a role model for us all. He lived with a spirit of complete devotion to God in this world. This was absolutely necessary then and is still indispensable today.
Abraham was deeply despised, isolated, and ostracized because of his new faith and his refusal to participate in idolatry. King Nimrod even tried to kill him. Abraham was backed into a corner, but he ultimately succeeded in spreading monotheism among many people. This is why he is also called the first patriarch. He stood only on God's side and opposed a fanatical, idolatrous world. God promised him that if he succeeded, he would be able to bring blessings upon the world: "Be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2).
How did Abraham become a blessing?
In Hebrew, "to bless" actually means "to bring something down." Many things are already predetermined for us in heaven. But because of an obstacle or hindrance here on earth—for example, our lack of faith, bad deeds, feelings, or impure thoughts—these blessings may not materialize. This can be changed by making peace with God and with oneself. Furthermore, one can approach a great scholar and a devout person and ask for a berachah, a blessing.
Abraham became a blessing to humanity by drawing people closer to God and introducing the monotheistic path of faith. He convinced people of God's teachings and inspired them to walk in the ways of our Heavenly Father. The Hebrew word for blessing—beracha—is very similar to the word berecha: a spring of water that cleanses us of all our spiritual defilement. Be that as it may, Abraham's mission was shrouded in mystery, but through divine inspiration, all uncertainty vanished like snow in the sun. Slowly but surely, the world is once again recognizing the divine potential. This is a counterweight to the eclipse of God and the Fall of Man.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 130. You can order the newspaper free of charge here: https://csi-aktuell.de/israelaktuell. We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
