Parshat Lech Lecha tells the story of Avraham’s divine calling to leave his homeland and embark on a journey that would shape the future of an entire nation. God’s words, “Lech Lecha” – “Go forth” or “Go to yourself” – are a profound invitation to self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. Through Avraham’s journey, we uncover lessons on faith, growth, and responsibility that speak to both personal transformation and collective mission. Exploring these themes, we gain insights not only into Avraham’s journey but also into how these principles can offer guidance for those facing hardship, including teens at risk and those struggling with mental health.
Faith and Trust in the Journey
When God commands Avraham to “Lech Lecha,” He invites him into a journey of self-discovery and spiritual ascent. According to the Nesivot Shalom, this journey is not just about physical relocation; it represents a call to transcend personal limitations and delve deeply into the soul. Avraham’s departure from his land, birthplace, and father’s house symbolizes the need to overcome ingrained habits, societal influences, and family expectations to find one’s true essence. Each individual, then, has a “Lech Lecha” moment—a time when they are called to move beyond the external to connect with their authentic self.
Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, known as the Aish Kodesh, interprets this call in the context of his own experience in the Holocaust. He saw Lech Lecha as a powerful reminder to trust in God’s presence, even amid suffering and darkness. Faith, he teaches, does not require the full picture; rather, it involves taking steps forward despite uncertainty. This lesson resonates for all of us, reminding us that faith is often forged in times of challenge. It encourages us to move forward, trusting that even when the journey is dark, it has a divine purpose.
Growth Through Challenges and the Role of Suffering
Avraham’s path was not easy; he faced famine, conflict, and family struggles. According to the Nesivot Shalom, these hardships are integral to spiritual growth. Each person has their own “Lech Lecha” moments—times when they must leave comfort zones and face challenges that foster resilience and connection to God. Difficulties are not merely obstacles; they are opportunities to cultivate inner strength and deepen one’s character.
The Aish Kodesh, writes that adversity expands a person’s capacity for empathy, compassion, and resilience. He believed that suffering could transform a person, turning pain into a source of strength for oneself and others. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, reinforces this idea, describing how every descent can serve as a prelude to a greater ascent. Challenges, he explains, create the spiritual strength necessary for new heights, just as Avraham’s hardships fortified his relationship with God. For each of us, these teachings remind us that while struggles are difficult, they often prepare us for an even greater purpose.
Choosing Purpose Over Comfort – Avraham’s Mission of Service
Avraham’s mission was not only a journey of self-discovery but a call to serve others. The Nesivot Shalom highlights that Avraham’s purpose was rooted in chesed (kindness); he became a source of blessing to all humanity. This outward focus exemplifies how a life of meaning often requires setting aside personal comfort to serve a higher mission.
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in Mesillat Yesharim (The Path of the Just), teaches that true greatness comes from pursuing a divine mission rather than personal ease. Avraham’s role as a “father of many nations” models a life dedicated to uplifting humanity. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik expands on this idea, explaining that Avraham’s legacy was defined by covenantal responsibility—a commitment to bring values of faith and compassion to the world. For us, this teaches that purpose often involves sacrifice and commitment to something greater than ourselves. True fulfillment comes from living a life that impacts others, even when it is challenging.
Influence and Legacy – Planting Seeds for Future Generations
God’s promise to Avraham that his descendants would be “as numerous as the stars” reflects a legacy far greater than one person’s life. According to the Nesivot Shalom, Avraham’s legacy was not merely about family lineage but a spiritual inheritance of values, resilience, and faith that would endure for generations. This lesson reminds us that our actions and values have lasting impact beyond our lifetime.
The Aish Kodesh, viewed suffering as a way to plant seeds of hope for the future. He believed that even in darkness, our faith and resilience create a foundation for renewal and healing. Our mission is to carry these values forward, deepening them for the generations that follow. For each of us, this legacy teaches that our lives have meaning beyond the present moment, and our choices impact those who come after us.
Embracing the Unseen – Faith in a Hidden Divine Plan
Avraham’s journey required faith in promises he would never fully see. According to the Nesivot Shalom, this type of trust—believing without immediate reward or visible outcome—reflects the highest form of devotion. True faith is trusting in God’s goodness even when we cannot see how the journey will unfold. This concept is deeply relevant for those who feel lost or discouraged, reminding them that even when life feels unclear, they are part of a divine story.
The Aish Kodesh emphasizes that real faith is often most powerful when we cannot understand God’s ways. Lech Lecha becomes a call to embrace life’s mysteries, trusting that each step, even when unclear, is meaningful. This lesson encourages us to find strength in trusting a larger plan and to move forward with courage, even when the outcome is unknown.
Balancing Self-Interest with Collective Responsibility
The phrase “Lech Lecha” can mean both “Go to yourself” and “Go for yourself,” indicating that while Avraham’s journey was personal, it was also for the benefit of others. The Nesivot Shalom teaches that true self-discovery involves taking responsibility for others. For Avraham, self-fulfillment and collective impact were inseparable, showing us that our journeys are most meaningful when we positively impact others.
Conclusion: Applying the Lessons of Lech Lecha to Support Teens at Risk
The themes of Lech Lecha offer a compassionate and resilient framework for supporting teens at risk and those facing mental health challenges. Avraham’s journey, with its call to self-discovery, resilience, and faith, provides a powerful model of strength and purpose. When applied to support at-risk youth, these teachings become tools for encouraging hope, understanding, and growth.
For teens struggling with self-identity, mental illness, or trauma, Avraham’s story is a reminder that they are not alone on their journey. Like Avraham, they can be encouraged to view their path as a process of self-discovery, finding purpose in their unique challenges. The message that growth often involves hardship can help teens see their struggles as opportunities to build resilience. Framing difficulties as part of a meaningful journey can empower them to embrace their strengths and recognize their own potential.
Faith in the unseen is especially valuable for those who feel discouraged by life’s challenges. Avraham’s unwavering trust in God’s plan, even without clear answers, teaches teens that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Supportive communities of family, mentors, or counselors can serve as guiding lights, helping them feel valued and supported, even when their journey feels uncertain.
The balance between self-interest and collective responsibility in Lech Lecha also highlights the importance of community. Teens benefit from understanding that they are part of a larger whole—that their lives impact others and that they are valued. A supportive environment helps teens recognize their worth and provides the stability they need to heal and grow.
In guiding teens through the teachings of Lech lecha, we offer them a path of resilience, compassion, and purpose. Avraham’s journey shows that life’s challenges are not endpoints but stepping stones, and that every step, even those marked by struggle, is a meaningful part of their story. Like Avraham, teens can be empowered to walk their path with courage, knowing that they are supported by a community of care and that their lives have lasting significance. Through this approach, we help them create a legacy of resilience and hope that extends beyond themselves, inspiring others along the way.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!!!
Kol Haneshamot
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