Lech Lecha

In this week’s Parsha, after HKB”H tells Avraham Avinu to leave his birthplace and go to the land where He will show him, HKB”H blesses Avraham saying, “And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great“ (12:2). HKB”H blesses Avraham with children (I will make you into a great nation) and physical blessings (and I will bless you) to be able to serve Him at the optimum level. And meanwhile, Avraham will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of these blessings. But the question is, what’s the benefit of the last part of the blessing, “I will make your name great“? Having a great name as a blessing needs an explanation. Even if Avraham uses the “great name” as a means to serve Hashem what benefit is there for Avraham to have a great name that should be considered a blessing for him? It can’t be fame and honor, because true tzaddikim shy away from fame and honor.

The Sefer Shem Mishmuel explains that in order to answer our question we need to understand the meaning and idea behind the words “Great” and “Name”. What they mean based on how our Rabbis understood these words in other contexts of Torah Literature.

In the holy writings of our Rabbis, we find that when HKB’’H gives a “Name” to a person or an object, that name defines and describes both the physical and spiritual essence of that person or object. A name is a formula that showcases the spiritual and physical makeup of any person and or object.

In describing “HKB”H’s Greatness” in the universe, our Rabbis explain that “Greatness” means, that the glory and respect of HKB”H is spread, expanded, and increased in all places in the universe including the lowest spiritual and physical levels. Even the people and the creatures that are farthest away from HKB”H will get to know him, and His presence will be felt in places farthest away from spirituality. Thus Hashem’s name is spread all around the world, therefore His name has become great. “Great” means expansion, proliferation, and dissemination.

Based on this explanation we can understand the meaning of the blessing “I will make your name great“ (12:2). The name, meaning the essence of Avraham Avinu (which is loving Kindness) will spread and expand to his children and students after him even when they are on the lowest levels of physicality and spirituality. Avraham Avinu’s essence will stay alive and expand and will be known to others through his children that come after him. Avraham’s essence will become great.

Throughout the generations, we’ve seen over and over again that the Jewish people have been able to maintain this blessing regardless of their economic and spiritual levels. Even the most destitute or irreligious Jew showed and show loving kindness towards others like no other nation in the world.

May we be blessed to spread and expand the name of our father Avraham more and more till the coming of Moshiach, Amen.