What did the neighbors say?

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

Our father Avraham was seventy-five when G-d gave him the directive to travel to what would become the land of Israel. Until then, he was doing his best to live and teach according to his beliefs in an Almighty G-d. Surely, Avraham had made some local impact. The directive to travel caught him by surprise. But, he and his loyal wife Sarah accepted the directive, and prepared for the journey to an unknown future. The question that I would like to pose is: What did the neighbors say?

In my mind’s ear, I can hear the local women clucking their tongues about the decision to move on. “We have such nice parks here for them to enjoy in their retirement,” one lady would say. “Such a nice couple,” another would chime in. “To think that they don’t know anything about where they are going.” No, I don’t think the neighbors could identify with the decision of Avraham and Sarah. Life was pleasant enough without change. Yet, G-d told them that their true destiny still beckoned. And so, they packed their bags, wished their neighbors well, and went on to their destiny to create the Jewish people.

What strikes me is that, with perfect hindsight, the scene is nothing short of comical. Avraham and Sarah presumably were viewed as odd for moving on, while those who stayed were viewed as normal. But, those neighbors who “knew it all” and were full of news and commentary, are relegated to the dustbins of history, while Avraham and Sarah were able to achieve eternal meaning.

Often in life, we hesitate to make decisions because we are concerned about what other people will think. It could be as simple as, “Should I light chanukah candles?” or “Should I build a succah?”  or as significant as, “Who should I marry?” or “What community should I live in?” Whatever you decide, it will be analyzed by neighbors, friends and relatives. News and commentary will abound. But, ultimately it is you and your family, who will have to live with the decisions that you make.

The lesson of Avraham and Sarah is not only about where they went. The lesson of Avraham and Sarah is also about what they were willing to leave behind. At the time of a fateful decision, some wonder what their friends will say. But, their way may be the road that you do not choose to take. And, a few years down the road, they will have to live with their decisions, and you will live with yours. May our decisions be like those of Avraham and Sarah, and may we be happy people indeed.

With best wishes for a wonderful Shabbos.

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