Parashat Lech Lecha: Walking with Emunah in the Footsteps of Avraham Avinu

Parshat Lech Lecha marks a monumental turning point in Jewish history. It’s the story of a man who didn’t just believe—he acted with complete faith. In a world steeped in spiritual darkness, Avraham Avinu rose alone, driven not by inherited tradition but by a personal search for truth.

Why Isn’t Avraham Introduced as a Tzaddik?

Last week, in Parshat Noach, the Torah describes Noach as an "ish tzaddik tamim." But when we are introduced to Avraham Avinu, the Torah doesn’t use lofty titles. Why not? Was he not greater?

The answer lies in how Avraham is defined—not by labels, but by actions. He doesn't need accolades. His greatness shines through his courageous decisions, his unwavering emunah, and the path he paved for all future generations.

Avraham: The First to Stand Alone

The Rambam teaches us that Avraham Avinu was born into a world of complete spiritual desolation. Everyone believed in idol worship. No internet, no mentors, no books—just a single soul seeking truth. Unlike Shem, who remained isolated, Avraham went out into the world, proclaiming the name of Hashem.

That’s why he’s called Avraham HaIvri—the one who stood on the “other side” of the world. The whole world was on one side, and he stood alone on the other, unwavering in his faith. He didn’t question. He didn’t compromise. He walked with Hashem—even when it meant walking into the unknown.

The Power of Challenges: Why Avraham Was Tested

We often ask, “Why does Hashem test us?” Why must life be filled with so many challenges—health, parnassah, fear, and uncertainty?

But Chazal teach: “Ma’aseh Avot siman l’banim.” Whatever Avraham faced, he faced not only for himself, but for all of us. Every nisayon he overcame carved the spiritual DNA we carry today. His tests became our strength. His faith became our inheritance.

What Is a Challenge?

A challenge isn't just a problem—it's a divine opportunity. It demands a decision, effort, often sacrifice, and a rise above one’s normal standards.

Whether it’s committing to an act of chesed, resisting lashon hara, or staying strong in faith through life’s storms—each moment is a personal Lech Lecha, calling us to grow.

Avraham’s Ten Tests: From Fire to Faith

The ten tests of Avraham Avinu are famously discussed by our Sages. One of the first: his confrontation with Nimrod. When thrown into a burning furnace for denouncing idolatry, Avraham stood firm, declaring his belief in Hashem.

But surprisingly, the Torah doesn’t mention this miracle. Why? Because that test, though dramatic, was logical. If you believe in Hashem, you’re willing to die for that belief.

The greater test was Lech Lecha.

At 75 years old, Hashem tells Avraham to leave everything: his land, his birthplace, his family, and everything familiar. No destination given. No explanation. Just: “Go to the land I will show you.” Would we pack our lives and walk away without knowing where we were going?

Lech Lecha: The Ultimate Leap of Emunah

Lech Lecha means more than “go for yourself.” Chazal suggest it hints to lichluch—to let go of the spiritual uncleanliness of your past. Leave it behind. Start fresh. Trust Me.

The gematria of Lech Lecha is 100—hinting to the miraculous birth of Yitzchak at age 100. But again, no details are given. Hashem doesn’t explain. Why? Because a test is about trust, not logic.

Avraham doesn’t ask. He simply obeys. And Hashem rewards him—word by word—for accepting each dibur, each instruction, without hesitation.

When Things Go Wrong: Famine in the Promised Land

After following Hashem to Eretz Canaan, what does Avraham find? Famine. Confusion. Accusations. People mock him—“You left everything for this?”

But he doesn’t retreat. He doesn't second-guess his decision. He continues to proclaim Hashem’s name. Even when he descends to Mitzrayim, endures trials, and returns, he still believes.

And this is where the Torah says: “VaYisa Avraham B’masaav”—he returned to the same lodgings. Rashi explains this teaches gratitude, but it also shows something deeper: emunah during uncertainty pays off.

The Eternal Lesson of Avraham’s Journey

Avraham Avinu didn’t just live emunah—he transmitted it. His tests became our triumphs. Every time we face hardship, we draw strength from him.

When Jews in the Holocaust sang Ani Maamin, when mothers today pray for their children during illness, when families stay strong in faith despite loss—it’s all because of Avraham’s Lech Lecha. That faith lives in us.

And yes, even when religious Jews today are falsely blamed for society’s hardships—like during Corona or times of war—we look to Avraham Avinu. He was blamed, too. And yet, he continued to teach, to walk, and to believe.

Takeaway: Embrace Your Personal Lech Lecha

Each of us is called, at some point, to a personal Lech Lecha. It might be leaving comfort. It might be facing judgment. It might be choosing faith over fear. Whatever it is—know this:

You carry within you the strength of Avraham Avinu.

You are not alone.

Walk with emunah. And Hashem will walk with you.