* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
When I give lectures in English, I discover just how difficult it is to translate “Lech Lecha” properly. Give it a try.
It’s not like saying, “Go to Jerusalem” or “Go to Tel Aviv.” Of course, Abraham is told to go to the Land of Israel, but our commentators explain that he is also being told “Go to yourself,” embark on an inward journey - into your soul, in order to discover the divine spark and unique purpose that lies within you alone.
In other words, the first two words God spoke to the first Jew were a call to move, to go forward, to make progress—but through introspection and a profound inner connection with his true self.
Only then can we go out into the wider world and make a lasting impact on all of humanity, even to this day.
May we, too, as Avraham’s descendants, merit to continue along this path and fulfill our unique mission.
