Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha

Can one person transform the world?

According to the Torah Portion Lech Lecha, “Yes.”

For over two thousand years, scholars, commentators, and social scientists have tackled the Lech Lecha phenomena.

In Modernity

In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell explored the viral nature of human activity. In The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, he theorized about mass influence. He found certain individuals engineered mass influence. With one particular group- charismatic individuals- he labeled them salesmen. Salesmen, per Gladwell, have powerful negotiation skills and indefinable traits.  

An excellent example to test Gladwell’s theories is the the Biblical Abraham. Despite three thousand years since his passing, he still remains a prominent world figure.

Religiously, he is revered in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Recently, his name was evoked to foster treaties with the goal’s of peace and prosperity. Those creating the Abraham Accords were fully cognizant of his legacy and influence.

Was he in fact a salesman? If so, of why? And, what particular features made him one of the world’s most transformative figures?

In Scholarship

Renown Biblical Scholar Richard Elliott Friedman, in his Torah Commentary, notes that the post-flood world rebuilding project proved unsuccessful. The rebooting humanity via a virtuous person- Noah- fell short.

Friedman notes: “choosing a virtuous individual does not guarantee that this individual’s descendants will be virtuous as well.” Commentary on the Torah at P. 49.

After Noah, the Torah reports that humanity progressed. While people were capable of building magnificent towers [i.e. Babel], there was a problem. Their actions and beliefs threatened God. Genesis 11:5-9

Friedman notes that Lech Lecha presented as a change in the divine approach. Abraham was chosen to ” produce a family that [would] will ultimately bring blessing to all the families of the earth.” Commentary on P. 49. Thus, a virtuous individual would be tasked to influence others.

Friedman notes “we were not told the reason for God’s choosing Abraham. We must derive it from Abraham’s later behavior: his virtue.” Commentary at P. 57.

What is it about Abraham? What made him a salesman?

In Antiquity

Almost as soon as the Torah was completed, scholars tackled Lech Lecha’s enigmas.

The Mishnah’s Pirke Avot [Ethics of Our Fathers], an early Post-Biblical text, states “Abraham was tested ten times. He withstood every test to show [how] great was his love [for God.]” Pirkei Avot 5:3.

Beyond this, non-scriptural stories circulated attesting to Abraham’s virtuosity. These stories, referred to as Midrash, include a youthful Abraham destroying idols in his father’s idol shop to prove monotheism.

While the Midrash was not a biblical tale, the legend is ingrained into religious lore. It is often included within Children’s Bible Story books.

Middle Ages

Middle Ages’ Scholarship continued carrying Abraham’s water.

In the 12th Century, the pre-eminent Rabbinic Scholar Maimonides addressed Abraham.

In commenting upon the Pirke Avot passage, he opines as to what in fact were Abraham’s tests.

He indicated that they were: “(1) the exile from his home in response to God’s command…(2) the famine in the Land of Canaan…(3) the violence done to Abraham in taking Sarah into Pharaoh’s house…(4) his battle with the four kings, (5) His need to take Hagar as wife… (6) the command to circumcise himself… (7) the violence of having his wife taken into the house of the king Gerar…, (8) Abraham’s compulsion to send away Hagar…, (9) the difficulty of sending his son Ishmael…, (10) the binding of Isaac…”

Maimonides’ is directional versus explanatory. While Abraham’s virtuosity is well accepted, elucidation on a generational basis is required.

In Modernity

To date, commentators have opined on Abraham’s virtuosity.

Some notable Abraham moments are as follows:

Abraham allowing his nephew Lot choice of pastoral land to resolve a conflict. In this instance, accepting a less favorable position was a means to foster peace. Genesis 13.

Abraham insistence to pay full price for a Burial Cave. Genesis 23. In this, a sensitive transaction must be done with full transparency and avoidance of potential controversy or dispute.

Abraham’s negotiation with God over the decision to destroy Sodom & Gemorrah. Genesis 18. Abraham valued righteous individuals.

God’s disclosing to Abraham the decision to destroy Sodom & Gemorrah. Genesis 18. It signals that God felt that Abraham was a valued partner.

Abraham rejecting the war’s proceeds from the King of Sodom. Genesis 14. Unlike most people on the planet, when it comes to wealth, reputation matters.

Abraham taking God’s advice to “listen to his wife.” Genesis 21. Sometimes, to be an authority, one must appreciate other’s authority.

Conclusion

From Lech Lecha and onward, Abraham’s virtuous behavior must be extracted from scripture. While there are aspects of Abraham’s life for which criticism can be leveled, it is undeniable that he succeeded. He did so with his negotiation skills and indefinable traits. As a result, he continues to produce a positive viral world impact.

Be well!!

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