Showing Up Anyway - Lech Lecha

Since Yom Tov, I have been trying to get to shul for Shacharis more consistently. At first, it felt easy, but the honeymoon phase faded quickly. This morning, I did not feel like going, but I went anyway.

When I wrapped my tallis over my head, I tried to shut out the world and focus on my thoughts. I thought about how the Rebbeim teach that action can awaken feeling. The love we cannot yet sense becomes real through what we choose to do. Even when a person cannot feel love or awe of Hashem the way they feel emotions toward people, that love still exists deep inside. When we cannot access it emotionally, we can still awaken it intellectually. By thinking about Hashem, we can stir that inner bond enough to act on it. Our actions may begin as instinct, but that instinct itself comes from the soul.

In Lech Lecha, Hashem tells Avraham, “Go to yourself.” Rashi explains that it means to leave behind habits and patterns and to reveal your true inner connection to Hashem. The Rebbe teaches that this journey is about spiritual growth, stepping away from the familiar and trusting Hashem enough to begin again, even when you do not see the destination yet.

Each of us has our own Lech Lecha moment. I definitely did this morning. This week, I hope you will join me in taking that step to show up even when you do not feel like it, even when you cannot see what the outcome will be. Together, may we find a deeper sense of connection and purpose.

Good Shabbos

All the best

Avroham Y Ross