Abraham Crowning Virtue
By: Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan, Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher
Each of our forefathers had a defining trait, a uniqueness that set them apart from each other and humanity. Abraham’s crowning virtue was Chesed - kindness.
Abraham grew up in an idolatrous home to a father who made his living selling idols. At a young age he realized that the world’s existence implied a Creator, an all-powerful one. Nothing else could explain the Force that designed such a beautiful and scientifically harmonious world.
The next obvious question was - why did this God do it? If this Creator was Infinite and all-powerful, surely it lacked nothing! Why create a world? Through tremendous logical analysis and thought, Abraham came to the conclusion that this Creator is Good, and the Universe is the expression of that Ultimate and perfect Good.
The complexity and intricacy of the world made it clear to Abraham that as an elevated species with Free Will, there must have been a purpose for God’s creation of mankind.
If God was the ultimate Good, and mankind was God’s most illustrious and elevated creation, then the purpose of mankind must be to connect with and emulate this Creator!
The question must be asked: If Abraham is credited with discovering God and monotheism, why is he remembered more for his Chesed/Kindness than his attribute of faith? Wouldn’t the latter be considered the more fundamental expression of Abraham’s legacy?
Rabbi Wolbe of blessed memory answers this question with a beautiful concept. He suggests that Faith and Kindness are inextricably linked. If faith in an all powerful and kind God does not exist, then there is little impetus or moral value in doing kindness. Why should one go out of his way to help another human being? Perhaps it makes more moral sense for each human to care for himself and survive as best he can with the tools at his disposal?
But if faith in God enters the equation, then kindness becomes imperative. It is precisely because of one’s belief in God that the human is compelled to live with kindness and virtue.
For this reason Abraham is known for his attribute of kindness. Faith and belief in Hashem is vital and fundamental, but it isn’t enough. The Almighty placed us in a beautiful world surrounded by other human beings, and in His Torah He taught us to care for one another and elevate each other. The kindness that Abraham exemplified was a testament to the strength and quality of his faith.
The story of Abraham is meant to give us, his descendants, a roadmap towards a life of meaning and purpose, a life of morality, kindness and faith. May we merit to follow in his great footsteps and bring light to the world by looking out for one another and making the world a better place. Shabbat Shalom!