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Lech Lecha(Genesis 12-17)
Mazal Tov!
Every person is born underneath an astrological field, a particular energy-flow that determines many specifics of life - personality, circumstances, potential. Now in Hebrew this is called "mazel" - literally an alignment of stars. But it can also mean "luck," as when we wish someone Mazel Tov.
A person's mazel is pre-programmed from birth. But in Parshat Lech Lecha, God takes Abraham outside and tells him to "see if you can count the stars." God changed Abraham's name and metaphorically lifted him above the stars to re-align his destiny.
Why did Abraham merit this special treatment? At the time, the prevailing world system was idolatry. Abraham saw the falsity of this idea, and lifted himself above societal norms. For this act of transcendence, God responded in kind by lifting Abraham out of the natural system - "above the stars."
This established a principle for all eternity - that the Jewish people are above "mazel." We need not accept the "fate of the stars." And surely, history bears this out: The Jewish people have outlasted all the great empires like the Greeks and Romans. And even in our lifetime Jews in Israel have defied all odds by thriving in a land surrounded by enemies.
But beyond a national level, this idea also has powerful application to our personal lives. The Talmud tells us that the daughter of Rebbe Akiva was destined to die on her wedding day. At the wedding meal, the bride absentmindedly stuck her hairpin into the wall behind her - unknowingly killing a cobra that was prepared to strike. Later, when they found the dead cobra and realized the bride's good fortune, they asked her to recall the day's events. She reported that in the midst of the wedding festivities, she had noticed some poor people outside, and she'd left her own wedding in order to bring them food. An incredible act of humanity!
So here we see the principle in action: This woman's super-human act raised herself out of the pre-set system - changing her destiny and saving her life. If we aspire, we can do it, too.
(10) Abdulmalik Badamasuiy , October 28, 2009
I wish you and the Aish staff long life with good health.
Your nice article reminds me of the epic life and story of Joseph. May we be blessed with like him.
(9) Catherine Manna , October 17, 2007
What an incredible story!
this is an incredible story.
What a wonderful act of kindness Rebbe Akiva's daughter had display'd its no wonder that her Destiny had changed, without even to her knowledge.
Its obvious that God had something to do with this. A faithful daughter of GOd she was, just like her father! thank you. fine example for us, put God first, not faith in the stars or anything else....thank you again.
(8) Jean-Victor Côté , November 28, 2005
A nice antidote to predestination and astrology!
So many people believe that everything is foreordained, so that they make no effort to transcend contingencies. If there was nothing beyond contingencies, the World would not exist. There would be only chaos.
(7) Anonymous , November 23, 2005
Good day, Rabbi Simmons.
Since G-d created the world and Mankind, why did He not imbue man with knowledge of Him at that time? To my thinking, this has nothing to do with free will, etc. Man could afterwards choose to reject the idea if he/she so chose...
I continue to enjoy your articles, and wish you and the Aish staff long life with good health.
(6) Michal Evenari , November 22, 2005
Wonderful to get great ideas in a short way
Sure I want too be liftet "above the stars".
But when it comes to the "super-human acts" I am not so sure, I am able to.
Your "If we aspire, we can do it" makes me think.
The shortness in which you write down to us such great insights, I simply find wonderful. I am glad it is coming regularly. Thank you!