When Abraham is told to journey to an unknown land, God tells him that in doing so, his name will be great.
The Talmud explains this phrase through association. Abraham’s name will be great by being associated with God. The greatness will continue as God is also paired with the patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob. We mistakenly assume that only our own actions matter. But the Torah teaches that we are judged by association with others, certainly the company we keep.
God didn’t choose to be named as the God of Noah or God of Adam and Eve. God carefully selected Abraham to represent the Jewish faith. While we can be inclusive of others, we should also be selective with whom we spend precious time. Does this person share our values? Does this person positively amplify my reputation? How does this person make my own name great? And what am I doing to help shape theirs?
Greatness does not mean popular. Greatness does not mean rising above at the expense of others. Greatness means being a light and bringing goodness to environments where there is dire need. Greatness is using our faith as a model of peace. Greatness is speaking up even when it’s hard.
Does the company we keep enable our name to be a blessing? Are we doing enough to make our name as great as God intends?
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is senior rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
