I’m writing today on my way to New York City, where the International Kinus Hashluchim, the conference of Chabad emissaries, is being held this weekend. I will be joining some 6,000 fellow rabbis from around the world, each representing our own unique communities, but at the same time every one of us sharing a similar mission. A mission with a goal that didn’t start with us, or even our parents and grandparents, but one that is linked all the way back to our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The story begins when Isaac blesses his son Jacob with “the blessing of Abraham.” This wasn’t just a poetic moment or a symbolic gesture; it was the passing of a legacy, one that continues to shape who we are as Jews today. This blessing wasn’t just about inheriting land or growing a large family—it was about purpose and action. And that’s where it gets really interesting, especially when we think about how it applies to our lives right now.
Abraham wasn’t just blessed because he existed; he was blessed because of what he did. His journeys, challenges, and unwavering commitment to G-d’s mission paved the way for these blessings to take root. When Isaac passed this blessing to Jacob, it was with the understanding that it required action, not just words. Jacob didn’t just sit back and wait for the blessings to materialize. He actively stepped into the legacy, leaving his home in the Promised Land for the Diaspora to build a family and a future.
That’s a key point for us today. These blessings are not passive; they’re an invitation to participate, to do something meaningful, to live with purpose.
And the blessings didn’t just stay with Jacob. They became real through his children—the Nation of Israel. Today, we, as his descendants, carry those blessings. But it’s not just about numbers or achievements; it’s about identity. We are not just a nation; we are his nation, meant to represent the values and mission he stood for.
Being part of the Jewish people means more than just sharing a heritage. It means embracing a responsibility to live a life that reflects our values—kindness, faith, and a commitment to making the world a better place. That’s the essence of “the blessing of Abraham.” It’s not about status; it’s about influence. It’s about being a blessing to others, so that people see in us the values that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived by.
So, how do we connect to this today?
First, it starts with knowing who we are. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a reminder of our identity. We’re part of a chain that goes all the way back to Abraham, a chain of people who believed in something bigger than themselves. Knowing that should give us strength, especially in times when being Jewish feels challenging.
Second, we need to ask ourselves: how can we live up to that legacy? It doesn’t have to be something monumental. Every time we do a mitzvah, study Torah, or stand up for what’s right, we’re carrying that blessing forward. We’re showing the world what it means to live with purpose.
And third, we need to think about the future. This blessing isn’t just about us; it’s about what we’re building for the next generation. Are we teaching our kids about these values? Are we giving them the tools to feel proud of their Jewish heritage and inspired to continue the mission?
Living the blessing of Abraham isn’t always easy. It can feel overwhelming, especially in a world where so many values seem to clash with our own. But that’s exactly why it’s so important. The blessing challenges us to rise above the noise, to stay true to who we are, and to be a light in the world.
So, as I join my colleagues this weekend at the Kinus, I’m reminded of how this legacy continues to inspire and guide us. Together, we’re building on these blessings, carrying them forward into the future, and making them a living reality in our communities.
May we all take the lessons of this legacy to heart and strive to make our own lives—and the world around us—a true reflection of the blessings we’ve been given.
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