“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?” – Pirkei Avot 1:14

Avraham is the paradigm of chesed and compassion, of caring for others. For this reason, Rashi’s commentary on the opening words of Parshat Lech Lecha is surprising. Noting the kefel lashon, the seemingly repetitive language, Rashi interprets “Lech lecha” as “Go for yourself.” Avraham’s journey to an unspecified destination was ultimately for his own benefit. By setting forth with faith in Hashem, Avraham would be rewarded with becoming the father of a great nation. The Zohar similarly interprets “Lech lecha” as “Go unto yourself… to know and to fix yourself.” Before Avraham could inspire others, he first needed to journey inward and strengthen himself.

A similar idea is expressed by two great Jewish thinkers in their reflections on how we begin each day. Rav Kook, in Olat Reiyah, comments on the Modeh Ani prayer. When we awaken and contemplate the vastness of the universe, we might feel small and insignificant. Yet, by emphasizing the “I” (ani) and drawing on our inner strength and gratitude to God, “the individual self remains undaunted, the ‘I’ finds divine confirmation and validation.” Rebbe Nachman of Breslov offers a related insight in his commentary on the opening words of the Shulchan Aruch, which instruct us to awaken with the strength of a lion. Rebbe Nachman understood that people sometimes wake up feeling unhappy with themselves, distant from God, or unmotivated. He therefore encourages us to find a nekuda tova, a good point within ourselves, on which to focus and build.

These teachings offer a powerful lesson about leadership. Avraham reminds us that inspiring others begins with cultivating our strengths, deepening our faith, and preparing for the responsibilities ahead. Personal growth is not the end in itself, but the basis for making a difference in the lives of others. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson