ABRAHAM AND SARAH’S FANCLUB

When Abram and Sarai came to the land of Canaan, they didn’t come by themselves. They arrived with Lot, Abram’s nephew. They arrived with all their possessions. Then the verse adds: “and with the souls they had made in Charan.” (Bereishit 12:5).
Rashi (in his second, peshat explanation) observes that the straightforward meaning of this phrase is that it refers to the retinue of servants that they had acquired.

But Rashi’s first explanation, based on the Midrash, is that the word “souls” refers to converts Abram and Sarai had made whilst in Charan. Their example of faith, trust in G-d, and rejection of idolatry made such an impact that a number of people were drawn to them and accompanied them on their journey to Canaan.

However, this raises an obvious question: What happened to these people? We hear no more of them. If they were courageous enough to follow Abram and Sarai, even without the benefit of their own Divine command, why do they not have any follow-up in history?

Some commentators explain that after Abraham and Sarah’s death, these “converts” lapsed back into their earlier ways. This is alluded to in the verses we will read in three weeks’ time, referring to the wells that Abraham dug: “And the Philistines stopped up the wells that his father’s servants had dug” (Bereishit 26:15). The spiritual wellsprings of Abraham’s followers were blocked after his death. Sadly, they were too connected to Abraham and Sarah themselves to be able to stand on their own when they were no longer there.

To put it in contemporary language, they were fans of Abraham and Sarah rather than disciples.

The late Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook (Orot Yisrael 3:3), makes the striking observation that people should take care never to identify too closely with the personality of even a tzaddik – an outstandingly righteous person. No one is without fault. A total identification with another’s personality is never healthy. As Rav Kook writes: veyidbak gam ken bechesronotav – the acolyte might fasten on to the master’s failings as well.

Even exceptional individuals may disappoint. If there has been complete identification, this will sadly lead to disillusionment. True disciples never suspend their own judgment. They emulate and explore, but also examine their teacher’s words and deeds carefully. They scrutinize and question, so that they understand and do not misinterpret. And yes, there may come a time when, within the parameters of Torah, the disciple respectfully disagrees.

Like Abraham’s wells, spiritual inspiration must be reopened in each generation. We honour our teachers best not by imitation alone, but by drawing anew from the Source that inspired them.

Wishing you all a journey of learning and growth.