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Why does the Gemara (גמרא) say Avrohom knew God from age three while the Rambam (רמב"ם) says forty, after describing his idolatrous past? The principle that baalei teshuvah transform past sins into merits explains how Avrohom's early struggles became retroactive mitzvos once he used that experience to reach other idol worshippers. Unlike Shem and Ever who lacked such background, Avrohom's difficult past became his greatest qualification for helping others.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question raised by the Raavad on the Rambam (רמב"ם) regarding when Avrohom first recognized God. The Gemara (גמרא) states that Avrohom knew God from age three (based on the numerical value of 'ekev' - 172 years of observance), while the Rambam claims it was at age forty. The Rambam describes how Avrohom grew up in an idolatrous environment in Ur Kasdim and even practiced idolatry himself before his spiritual awakening at forty. The resolution lies in understanding the concept of retroactive transformation of past experiences. The Gemara in Sanhedrin teaches that baalei teshuvah stand in a place where complete tzadikim cannot stand, as indicated by the verse 'Shalom, shalom l'rachok v'l'karov' - peace first to the distant, then to the near. This isn't an insult but rather recognition that someone who was once 'rachok' (distant) has unique qualifications.
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