In last week’s parsha, parashat Lech Lecha, Avraham is pushed to the forefront of Jewish History. Avraham is told by Hashem to go, not only to leave behind his homeland and family, but to go towards the land which Hashem will show him. 

Chazal call Avraham by the name Eitan, meaning strong. He was strong in his thoughts and strong in his faith. He was strong in his knowledge, when the rest of the world believed in something else. He had no teacher, he knew it from within himself, because the truth is that clear. And he was strong in his faith when the world tried to shake it. 

Avraham, our spiritual grandfather. His DNA is in our genes. When we look around at a world so filled with darkness, we know that deep within us that strength, eitan, is our essence. When the world has lost its moral compass, we know the truth. When the world questions every act we take, we know what’s right. When the evil in the world forces us to ask the deepest theological and philosophical questions, we are strong in our faith. We are, like Avraham, eitanim. 

Chazal continue to tell us that Avraham had a precious stone around his neck. This stone lit up the entire world, and everyone who looked at it was healed. What was that precious stone? It was the path of G-d; the way of chessed, righteousness and justice. 

When the world is dark, we must be strong. Following the path of Avraham, brings light. Not just to us, our families, our nation but to the entire world. Stay strong granddaughters of Avraham! The path of Hashem is the path of light. May Hashem shine that light upon us all soon bezh, return all the captives and soldiers in good health bezh. May Am Yisrael know no more sorrow.

Shabbat Shalom.