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“As for Me, behold My Covenant is with you, and You shall be the father of a multitude of nations.” (17:4)

Rashi explains that as Avraham became the father of the world, he would attain “spiritual paternity” over all nations. Avraham feared that the isolation which resulted from his circumcision would create a barrier separating him from the uncircumcised world. This obstacle might serve to confine his spirit from radiating out to the pagans, preventing him from bringing them closer to Hashem. He was threatened with the failure of his whole life’s work. Converted pagans would not acquiesce to the imperative of circumcision. Thus, Hashem solemnly assured Avraham that he would become the spiritual father of a multitude of nations. The…

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“And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth.” (13:16) – “Look please towards Heaven and count the stars… and He said to him, “So shall be your seed.” (15:5) – “And I will unconditionally multiply your seed as the stars of the Heaven. And as the sand which is on the seashore.” (22:17)

The Torah metaphoricully compares Am Yisroel to three different substances. Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., suggests the following interpretation of this symbolism. In the first analogy, sand serves as a boundary for the sea. The boundary restrains the sea’s overflow and the ensuing damage of human life and property. Likewise, when man is overwhelmed by physical or emotional troubles, he finds it difficult to serve Hashem with a relaxed attitude. Thus, Hashem offers us His blessing. This blessing enables us to restrain these difficulties from overwhelming us and interfering with our service to Hashem. In the second analogy, the dust of…

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“And the soul(s) that they had gotten in Haran.” (12:5)

Chazal teach us that the world will exist for six thousand years. These years are divided into three, two thousand year periods. The first is the period of “uvcu uv,” – nothingness. The second period is the Torah era. The third is the Messianic period. The Rabbis indicate that the initial period of “Tohu V’Vohu” lasted from Creation until Avraham Avinu successfully reached out to the masses to convert their idolatrous beliefs to monotheism. This is the meaning of the words, “the souls they had gotten in Haran.” Avraham brought these itinerant souls under the protective wings of Hashem. This…

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“Go away from your land.” (12:1)

We may note the contrast between the Torah’s introductory description of Noach and its initial description of Avraham. The Torah praises Noach, citing his righteous character and faultless behavior. The Torah does not present Avraham Avinu with a similarly positive orientation although he is acknowledged as a righteous and G-d-fearing man. The Maharal explains that Avraham is not described as one who possesses unique characteristics and noble qualities, so that one will not infer that these qualities are the basis for his distinction. Had this been the reality, Am Yisroel would be at risk to lose its special status if…

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