Editorial – 3rd November 2022

Dear Parent

At the beginning of this Parshah, Lech Lecha, Hashem commands Avraham and Sara to make aliyah to the land of Canaan. Hashem promises the following:
“I will make you into a great nation,” “and I will bless you,” “and I will make your name great.” The Gemara explains that our Amidah is based upon this text. ‘I will make you into a great nation’ corresponds with ‘Elokei Avraham’; ‘and I will bless you’ corresponds to ‘Elokei Yitzchak’ and ‘I will make your name great’ corresponds to ‘Elokei Yaakov’.

Rabbi Soloveitchik asks the following question: It is possible to understand the connection between the second statement and Yitzchak as Avraham was miraculously blessed with a son when he was old. However, in what way does Avraham’s name become great through Yaakov? He explains that, when we are parenting children, it is an incredible achievement if children walk in parents’ footsteps. However, it is a much greater achievement if one is able to witness one’s grandchildren also walking in our footsteps. Avraham was able to witness Yaakov internalising his values and to be a great person in his own right.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Shabbos.

Mrs D Lebrett
Headteacher – Boys’ School