When you think about being 75 years old, what comes to mind?
Presumably, something along the lines of retiring, slowing down, and focusing on better self care. You may look back at your career and accomplishments, hopefully feel satisfied, and plan to live life peacefully. You certainly are not interested in making any big changes in your life. If you were asked to take on a new project which would require a lot of time, effort and sacrifice, you might feel flattered but then pass on the offer to someone younger.
Not so with Abraham our patriarch. And we can all take a lesson from him, no matter our age.
From a very young age, Abraham was a passionate activist. He was courageous enough to ask big questions and seek hard truths. He turned his back on the false beliefs of his family and community, which came at a great cost. Together with his wife Sarah, they built a new kind of community which was founded upon faith, love and morality.
As a 75 year old man, he had every right to be proud of his accomplishments, pat himself on the back, and plan to retire.
In fact, that may have been his plans.
Suddenly, a Heavenly voice summoned him. "Abraham, get up and go. It's time to achieve something even greater."
Go where? Do what? And don't you know that I'm a 75 year old man? I'm comfortable and set in my ways. I've been through enough turbulence in my life.
These could have been Abraham's questions, and we wouldn't judge him for such reactions.
But instead, Abraham got up and followed the calling. Together with Sarah (who was also eligible for medicaid and social security benefits) they were ready for something new.
Of course, we all know the rest of the story. Abraham and Sarah founded the first monotheistic community, established the first Jewish presence in Israel, and are considered the progenitors of the major religions of today.
No matter your age, it's easier to get set in your ways, and harder to be flexible and open to change. We often turn to familiarity for comfort and protection. We prefer things to feel predictable.
But the Torah is teaching us something very profound here. It makes no mention of any part of Abraham's illustrious life prior to turning 75. Abraham is first introduced to us as a 75 year old man who is embarking on a major change in his life. (Indeed, Chana and I have been so inspired by individuals in our own community growing in their faith and Mitzvot at a much later point in their life.)
Perhaps that is one thing being a Jew - a person of faith - means. It means to live a life of service, to be ready to hear and follow your calling, and to appreciate that every moment of your existence on this planet is necessary and meaningful.
And if it means being flexible and open to change, so be it. (My thanks to Rabbi Eli Wolf for sharing this insight)
This post is written in honor of my dear parents who both recently celebrated this milestone "Abraham" birthday! In addition to all their other Mitzvot and responsibilities…when they heard about a "new calling" they lovingly offered to have our daughter spend the year living with them while attending 8th grade at the Torah Day School in Houston. (There's now a teenager in their house again!)
We are deeply appreciative of the love, care, and timeless values they (and Chana’s parents in Morristown who have Mendel staying with them) give our children. May Hashem bless them with good health and the ability and strength to continue growing in Mitzvot surrounded by much joy and peace of mind.