Lech Lecha: It Begins (Again) with Us

In the story of Genesis, we initially hear about individuals who function as part or as representatives of a group. Adam and Eve represent the birth of humanity, and Cain and Abel symbolize the emergence of different human activities and societies: Cain, the hunter-gatherer, and Abel, representing agriculture. When we reach the story of Noah, we see that humanity has taken a particular path, but Noah found favor in God’s eyes, embodying humanity’s potential for survival. Each figure represents collective ideas, each symbolizing a world, teaching us the Jewish belief that to save one life is to save an entire universe (mSan 4:5)—and, conversely, that the loss of one life is the loss of all that person and their descendants could have contributed to the future. This understanding is deeply emotional and spiritual, a reminder that the image of God within each of us is not to be taken for granted.

The story changes slightly with Avram (and Sarai). He is called to step out from his collective identity in a unique way. God’s command to him is intensely personal: “Go from your land, from the place of your birth, from your father’s home, to the place I will show you. (Gen. 12:1)” This command is individual, setting Avram apart as the progenitor of the Jewish people, but also as a model of distinct individual faith and purpose, of individuation.

In our current moment in history, the balance between collective identity and individual purpose is profoundly relevant. I recently found a comment on individuality by the Kedushat Levi, an early Hasidic rabbi, who observed that even prophets do not convey God’s message in identical ways:

“The Talmud in Sanhedrin 89 already explains that no ‎two prophets convey the same message from G’d to the people ‎using the same wording. There is an element of individuality ‎which permits each prophet to “dress up” the message in a style ‎that he considers appropriate to his listeners. He also receives the ‎vision from G’d in a manner that allows for his individuality, one ‎that G’d is thoroughly familiar with, of course.” (KL Ex. Terumah 4)

Each prophet brings forth their message through their unique personality and understanding. This means that individuality plays a role in how we receive and express our experiences—even when we witness the same thing, our descriptions will be deeply personal.

This notion is modeled by Avram and Sarai, as well as by each of the prophets, and it reminds us that while our journey is individual, it connects to a larger whole. The message begins with us but does not end with us; it transcends our individual needs. But, as Rabbi Shimon Felix offers, God’s ultimate concern is also for each person’s unique journey:

“God realizes, as it were, that the appropriate unit for a relationship is the individual. It is with one human being that one must begin the job of relating – successfully, meaningfully – to all of humanity, and God begins with Abraham. A relationship with a collective, to work, must begin with an individual.” (MJL Lech Lecha)

As Moses tells the people in Deuteronomy, God grants the inheritance of the land not solely for righteousness but to fulfill a promise made to their ancestors (Deut. 9:5).

To summarize this extended reflection: it begins with us. It always has, and it always will. And while it cannot end with us, our personal responsibility is vital. We must acknowledge our needs—comfort, self-regulation, self-care—as part of living a meaningful life. When we care for ourselves, we contribute more fully to the collective.

Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, the founder of the Mussar movement, famously said,

“I set out to change the world, but the world would not change. So I set out to change my country, but my country wouldn’t change. Then I set out to change my town, but my town wouldn’t change. So I set out to change my family, but my family wouldn’t change. In the end, I realized the only one I could change was myself.”

This wisdom reminds us that change begins within and radiates outward.

As we navigate challenging times, it helps to remember that God cares about each of us individually. This knowledge can be a tremendous source of strength. During the early days of the pandemic, I learned that hugging oneself releases some of the endorphins usually released when we embrace others, bringing comfort even in solitude. So, I invite you to join me in a self-embrace. We are here for each other – and, crucially, for ourselves – , bound by the understanding that God’s image resides within us all.

Just as Avram and Sarai were called to embark on a unique journey, so are we. Love and strength lie within each of us, extending from a source far beyond. Let’s change the world, our country, our towns, and be a blessing to our families. But remember: it begins here, within each of us.

We are capable of this beautiful inner work, and the more we do it, the more goodness we will have the capacity to share.