Parshas Lech Lecha- Jewish Money and Media

Fame and fortune. The aspirations and dreams of many. Often, by analyzing the perspective of the general world, and contrasting it with the view of our holy Torah, we can learn invaluable lessons. This idea is certainly pertinent in regards to the achievement and value of wealth and fame. This week’s Parsha teaches us a powerful and eternal message about the proper perspective on this important issue. 

At the conclusion of Parshas Noach, the Torah introduces the first of the Jewish people, Avram and Sarai. These great tzaddikim were the original Av and Eim of our holy nation. Prior to their days, pagan beliefs filled the earth. Polytheism was the long-held tradition. Avram, concluding that this system was incorrect, began spreading the belief in One G-d. He, along with Sarai, started converting people to the appropriate service. (12:5). This was not appreciated by the powers of the time, and Avram was thrown into a fiery furnace, in a powerful display of kiddush Hashem (11:28). He was miraculously saved, and continued his holy work. 

Parshas Lech Lecha begins with Hashem’s command to Avram about leaving his homeland and traveling to “the land that I would show you (12:1)”. This was a veiled reference to Eretz Yisrael, or Canaan, as it was then called. Hashem proceeded to promise that Avram would receive children, wealth, and fame. Rashi (12:2) explains that these three items are naturally diminished in the process of travel. Despite this, Hashem guaranteed them. 

It is clear that Avram was the greatest maamin in Hashem. He was inspiring others to serve the One G-d, and was willing to sacrifice his very life for this all-important cause. Promising him these gifts would therefore appear unnecessary. Avram would certainly have listened without such generosity. It seems to only cheapen the significance of Avram’s adherence to the Word of Hashem. Why was it important to promise Avram these blessings in conjunction with the command to travel from his homeland?

The story continues with the travel to Eretz Canaan, only to find that there was a famine in the land. They redirected, heading towards Mitzrayim, a place unaffected by the famine. As they approached Egypt, Avram told Sarai that he realized she was a beautiful woman. The Egyptians would undoubtedly abduct her, to be a wife for Pharaoh. They would kill the husband, Avram. Therefore, Avram requested that Sarai claim she was his sister. Then the Egyptians would give Avram gifts, and spare his life. Indeed, this is what occurred. The Egyptians provided Avram with wealth. After Hashem punished Pharoah, Sarai was returned, unharmed and untouched, as well. 

In a later event, Lot, the nephew and brother-in-law of Avram, moved to Sedom. In a world war between an army of four and five kings, the former emerged victorious. Lot was captured along with Sedom. Upon hearing of the distress of his relative, Avram waged war against the powerful army of the four kings. Miraculously, he emerged the victor. Following the battle, the king of Sedom approached Avram and asked to receive back the people that he previously governed. He stated that Avram could keep all the wealth that he had conquered in war. Dramatically, Avram swore that he would not even take a shoelace from the wealth. He declared that he would not want the king of Sedom to be able to say that he had made Avram wealthy. Rashi clarifies that since Hashem had promised to give Avram money, he did not want someone else to take the credit (14:23). 

A blatant contradiction emerges from these two events. In the first story, Avram is more than comfortable receiving money from Pharoah. He even arranges it, in a surreptitious manner. Yet, in the story of the war, he passionately refuses to receive any wealth, lest the king of Sedom draw the wrong conclusion. Furthermore, the money in the second story was rightfully his to keep. He vanquished the enemy, and owned the spoils of battle. In contrast, the money he was given from Pharoah, seems to be somewhat ill-gotten, having been received through trickery. Finally, it is true that Hashem promised to give Avram wealth. However, perhaps this was His way of providing it. Why did Avram disapprove of the wealth of Sedom? 

In Charan, Avram and Sarai were sanctifying the Name of G-d, spreading the appropriate lifestyle, and fulfilling their life's mission. Hashem approached them and directed them to expand, to spread the message further. However, this created an issue. While living in their homeland, they were impactful. Should they choose to uproot, their effectiveness would be significantly diminished. It is difficult to impact others without certain basic items. Lacking funds, recognition, and continuum, would make their mission impossible. Hashem responded and explained that He Understood that Avram was totally dedicated to creating and spreading kiddush Hashem. Therefore, like a valued employee, he would be granted access to all of the company’s assets. A credit card without limit. This was simply because it furthered the success of the company with the success of the employee. Money, fame, and children would all be granted, in order to be utilized in spreading G-dliness throughout the world. These were not gifts to be appreciated and valued as an end to themselves, but rather as fuel in the process of the overall mission. Avram and Sarai understood this and proceeded to change the world.

Avram understood that any money he would receive had to be utilized to create kiddush Hashem. Should it do the opposite, he could not accept it. This money was obviously not included in the promise to become wealthy. In the story with Pharoah, Avram understood the acceptance and usage of the funds would contribute to kiddush Hashem. Therefore he accepted it. However, in regards to the second incident, it was clear that accepting the money would only create a chillul Hashem. This was not included in the blessing, and was not accepted. 

The Jewish perspective on money and fame is in stark contrast to that of the general world. They are likened to fuel to be utilized for the greater good, not to be worshipped as an end to themselves. The general world does not see them this way. The unfortunate fall-out of this perverted mentality is that people with wealth and fame are worshipped. Their word is heeded, despite commenting on issues in which they have no knowledge and background. This can easily lead to awful consequences. May we merit to instill in ourselves and our children the appropriate perspective about this all-important topic. 

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