Anash.org presents a weekly Dvar Torah for children by Rabbi Yekusiel Goldstein, author of the book Divrei Torah for Children.
Rabbi Goldstein carefully selected a collection of 63 Divrei Torah on the parsha and Yom Tov. Each Dvar Torah is based on the Rebbe’s sichos and follows the clear format of a concise question, answer and practical lesson in day to day life explained in a child friendly manner.
For a printable PDF of the Dvar Torah and accompanying review for Parshas Lech Lecha, click here.
לֶךְ לְךָ
On the Way Up
The name of this week’s parsha, Lech Lecha, refers to Hashem’s command to Avram to go up to Eretz Kna’an, where he would become a great nation. Chassidus explains that the name of a parsha contains in it the meaning of the entire parsha.
Question – Parshas Lech Lecha also contains the hunger that occurred in the land of Kna’an and Avram having to go down to Mitzrayim to get food. Additionally, while in Mitzrayim, Sara was kidnapped by Paroh. How is this included in Parshas Lech Lecha, which means going up and becoming great?
Answer – When a person wants to jump, he must first lower and bend his knees to jump high. Similarly, Chassidus explains that “יְרִידָה לְצוֹרֶךְ עַלִיָ-ה,” every descent and going down in life, is for the purpose of an even greater elevation afterwards.
The same was true with Avram. His going down to Mitzrayim because of the hunger seemed to be associated with pain and suffering. In the end however, it brought Avram even more greatness than before and he left Mitzrayim with much riches! Thus, Avram’s “going down” to Mitzrayim was just a step towards his way up.
Lesson – Living in golus, we may think, “How is it possible to overcome this dark golus?” The answer is clear. The darkness that we see is only an outer appearance. All the darkness is only a step towards an even greater light! Through our avoda in golus we will bring the light of Moshiach!
(Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 5 p. 57-63)
Divrei Torah for ChildrenVolume 2 can be purchased online or in Crown Heights bookstores.
