Becoming a Channel for Kindness
Parashat Lech Lecha introduces us to Avraham and Sarah, through whom G-d begins to build a nation with a unique mission.
G-d tells Avraham, “Lech lecha,” go forth and promises him,
“Ve’heyeh berachah” “You shall be a blessing.”
Avraham is not simply promised a life of blessing. He is being asked to become a blessing to others. Through him and Sarah, a legacy of kindness will enter the world and be carried forward by the Jewish people.
In the mystical tradition, Avraham is associated with chesed, lovingkindness; the character trait of self-less giving and of reaching beyond oneself. We are called upon to follow His example and become channels for G-d’s kindness in the world.
How does our kindness reflect G-d’s kindness when G-d’s goodness is infinite and beyond our understanding?
Avraham speaks to G-d and describes himself as “afar va’efer” “dust and ashes”.
This description helps us understand an important idea or concept. A piece of wood when completely burned turns into ash. The ashes comes from the wood, but ashes no longer resembles its source. The wood’s original form and beauty are no longer visible or recognizable. There is no likeness at all between the physical ash remaining after the wood was burned and the nature of the wood before it was burned, even as the ash came into being from it.
So, too, G-d’s infinite chesed is beyond our comprehension. It is like the original wood. The kindness that is expressed in our finite world, is like the ash unrecognizable from the kindness from which it is sourced. Our kindness does not resemble the infinite kindness of G-d and yet G-d is the Source of our expression of it.
We are asked to be channels for something far greater than ourselves, by bringing a meal to someone who is ill, by holding someone’s hand in a moment of grief, or by taking the time to listen to someone who is struggling. These acts of kindness transform lives. And yet, they are like ash to the original wood of G-d’s infinite goodness.
Like Avraham we can become a vehicle for chesed. Our kindness is real and deeply meaningful, but it does not originate from us.
Abraham , G-d says will “.. be a blessing.” Blessing will flow through Avraham and Sarah, through their descendants, and through us.
We are enjoined to be a blessing
We are not expected to comprehend G-d’s infinite goodness. We are asked to embody it as best we can. When we act with kindness by comforting someone who is suffering, welcoming someone who feels alone, or giving without expecting anything in return, we continue the legacy of Avraham and Sarah.
Lech Lecha is an invitation to move beyond ourselves and become a blessing in someone else’s life. May we merit to follow in the footsteps of Avraham and Sarah, to live with chesed, and to be channels for G-d’s unknowable kindness in the world.
Shabbat shalom
With love
Elissa
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