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Why is "Lech Lecha" considered a test when Hashem (ה׳) promises Avrohom children, wealth, and fame? The shiur develops the principle that Avrohom understood what Noach did not: Hashem has an ongoing commitment to mankind's success, not merely a one-time opportunity at creation. Avrohom's uniqueness lies in adopting Hashem's agenda—to ensure humanity achieves eternal existence—making him "Elokei ha'aretz," not just accepting "Elokei Hashamayim."
The shiur begins with a fundamental question: How is Lech Lecha a test when Hashem (ה׳) promises Avrohom three things everyone desires—children (goy gadol), wealth (v'arechecha), and fame (v'gadla sh'mecha)? Moreover, Terach was already traveling to Canaan, a desirable land, making the command even less difficult to understand as a nisayon. Rabbi Zweig contrasts Avrohom with Noach to illuminate what made Avrohom uniquely worthy of founding the Jewish nation. While Noach built the teivah for 120 years—seemingly a greater achievement—he is described as "miktani emunah (אמונה)" (small in faith), whereas Avrohom becomes the father of the eternal nation. The Targum captures this difference: Noach walked in "yirah" (fear of God), while Avrohom walked in "pulchana" (service of God).
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Parshas Lech Lecha, Bereishis 12:1-2
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