The Choices We Make

Mrs. Karen Hochhauser (Karen.hochhauser@gmail.com)

Parashat Lech Lecha

The most unexpected event happens towards the beginning of Parshat Lech Lecha. Avraham Avinu, having left his land and family to follow the call of Hashem, arrives in Eretz Yisrael only to be faced with a terrible famine. With few options available to him, he and Sarah move to Mitzrayim, where they pretend that she is his sister and not his wife, in order that the Egyptians not kill him to get to her.

The Ramban is extremely critical of Avraham in this story, describing his actions as a חטא גדול בשגגה (a grave but accidental transgression). He felt that not only should Avraham have told the truth about his relationship with Sarah, but that he should never have left Eretz Yisrael in the first place! To the Ramban, this story serves as a test of Avraham's faith, where he should have davened and relied on Hashem to save him.

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, however, comes to the defense of Avraham Avinu. He discusses how it is easy for all of us, the Ramban included, to be critical of Avraham's actions with the luxury of hindsight. How often have we looked back at an event in our own lives and seen that, had we only made different choices, the outcome would have been much better? Avraham Avinu, as we know, had no such luxury and as R' Hirsch points out, "No Avraham had preceeded Avraham." He did not even have any example or role model to look to for help in his situation. Perhaps, as Rav Hirsch points out Avraham might have said אין סומכין על הנס

(one should not rely on a miracle) and decided that going to Mitzrayim was the best option he had at the time.

Practically speaking, I think that the viewpoints of both the Ramban and Rav Hirsch can positively influence our decision making and outlook. When faced with adversity, as we all will be, our job is to weigh the options within the framework of a Torah lifestyle. Rav Hirsch's view helps us see the value in using our G-d given intelligence and strength to help us make these choices. Sometimes we must make difficult decisions on our own, if only because they are choices that affect us on a deeply personal level. While our Emunah must be strong, we must have Hishtadlut that is equally strong as we carve out our own Torah path.

The Ramban, however, teaches us that we should reflect on our decisions AFTER they have already been made. It is not enough to say to oneself, "That's in the past" or "I did what I had to do" and just move on. One must take the time to analyze her choices, so that when faced with the next challenge, a framework of good decision making skills is in place.

May we all have the clarity to face our decisions and challenges with Emunah, Hishtadlut and clarity of thought. Shabbat Shalom!