Lech Lecha

The passuk states that Avram left Charan as Hashem told him and Lot went with him. Later, it states, “וגם ללוט ההולך את אברהם היה צאן ובקר ואהלים, “and also to Lot, who went with Avram, there were sheep, and cattle, and tents.” Rashi writes that because Lot traveled and stayed around Avraham, he therefore merited to become wealthy. We see that tzadikim bring bracha to their surroundings.

The Torah relates that there was an argument between the shepherds of Avraham and the shepherds of Lot. Avraham told Lot: “let there not be conflict between ourselves and our shepherds, let us separate and dwell in different places.” Lot chose the Kikar HaYarden and Avraham dwelled in Canaan. Immediately after this it states, “וה’ אמר אל אברם אחרי הפריד לוט מעמו, and Hashem said to Avram after Lot separated from him.” Rashi writes that the Torah comes to emphasize that Hashem appeared to Avraham only after Lot departed from him. Why is this? Because while a rasha was with him, the dibbur from Hashem separated; it couldn’t come.

Rav Hopfer asked: Why didn’t Avraham separate from Lot earlier to be able to have this special closeness with Hashem? Rav Hopfer answers: We see from here another great ma’alah with Avraham’s chessed. In order to be able to do chessed and influence Lot, Avraham gave away a certain degree of closeness with Hashem. It was so important for Avraham to help out another person, even if meant giving away from himself! This reflects Avraham’s total devotion to Hashem!

The nature of people is to constantly think about themselves; what’s best for me, and how can I make myself the most successful person. We tend to disregard others, and not pay attention to their needs. Avraham is known to be the example of an ish chessed which the Torah states cared for other physically, by providing food and lodge, and spiritually, by praying and teaching them about Hashem. Also, Avraham gave up his own personal maalos, to assist others.

May we emulate Avraham’s middah of chesed to the best of out abilities!