Abraham is revered as the first of three important patriarchs in Judaism, alongside Isaac and Jacob. While Christianity and Islam also reference Abraham in their holy texts, for Jews, he is particularly noteworthy for his role in the founding of the world’s oldest monotheistic religion. Abraham was thought to have been the first historical figure to make the recognition of a single God, as opposed to a pantheon, the basis of his faith. By doing so, he is not only credited as the progenitor of Judaism as it is known today, but also with pushing forward monotheism as an ideological concept
According to Jewish tradition, essential teachings of Judaism originated with Abraham. He is said to have taught the idea of one God and urged the people to reject idolatry. He also taught that all actions should be based on justice and truth, and be executed with humility. Additionally, Abraham’s observance of circumcision, as mentioned in the biblical book of Genesis, is practiced as symbolic of being part of the covenant with God. Other significant life events from the Bible which are attributed to Abraham are also still observed in Judaism today – for example Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is thought to mark the day when God appeared to Abraham and promised him numerous descendants.
Scholars consider that Abraham’s life was lived around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Despite articulating his overwhelming belief in the almighty in an era when giant statues of local gods stood tall, he was a renowned trader, travelling to various sites that lie in or around modern-day Iraq, Israel and Egypt. Today, approximately 14 million Jews across the world worship Abraham as the first Patriarch, while his teachings, customs and traditions have become integral to Judaism.
Many experts regard Abraham as the forefather of monotheism, with his example inspiring the three Abrahamic religions. As monotheism spread, it forever changed the face of religion and set tongues wagging in the ancient world. The particular belief systems of Abraham evolved into the major monotheistic religion of today, evidenced by the practice of Judaism, as well as Christianity, Islam and the Baha’i faith.
At first glance, Abraham may seem modest in recognition compared to other religious figures, however, his mark on the world has been prominent. His teachings, traditions and ways of living are still practised by millions today. Abraham is a particularly special figure for Jews, not only for his role in the founding of the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, but also for formulating the core values and ethical behaviours on which his followers still try and live their lives.
It is in part due to Abraham’s story that Jews continue to revere and celebrate figures in their lineage who have existed long before they were born, promising them safe passage and success.
Generosity of Abraham
In Judaism, Abraham is remembered as Havri, meaning ‘one who has connections with many’. When his wife Sarah died, for instance, Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for her, from the Hittites. He then made the Cave of Machpelah a communal burial place for his family and descendants. In both Islamic and Jewish tradition, Abraham is revered as the archetype of hospitality and faith. He is mentioned in the Quran multiple times and is known as Khalil-e-Ilahi, meaning ‘beloved of God’.
Though he was an old man when he left his home and family to pursue his purpose, Abraham defied conventions, stepped out of the known, and wandered far and wide, obeying the divine call he heard. The generosity and all-inclusiveness he extended to others is still remembered and revered today. There was an essential communal, inclusive culture that he followed, reaching out to strangers on his path, honoring those from all societies and nations, negotiating between adversaries and avoiding war.
He invited all around him to the same – to follow a judicious and just way of life, to treat all with absolute fairness, to recognize the inner unity of all life and its deeper causes. As a representation of moral courage, justice, and dedication to a higher cause, Abraham is one of the most important figures in Jewish history.
Abraham in Relation to Promise
The choice of Abraham as the progenitor of Judaism is also significant in that, according to the Bible, God made a ‘covenant of the pieces’ with Abraham. In it God promised Abraham and his offspring numerous blessings and descendants, as long as they obeyed God’s laws and teachings. This promise is frequently cited throughout the Torah and is seen as having been the origin of the Jewish people
Successive generations have repeated the covenant that Abraham made with God so long ago and continue to honor the memory of Abraham in various ways. In particular, many Jews view Abraham as the physical manifestation of the concept of hope. To this day, people around the world use the Hebraic expression, “L’Chaim” – “To life!” – a repeated line from the stories of Abraham’s successes, reflecting the tenacity of faith in the midst of trying times.
His unwavering commitment to service and justice, as laid out in Torah and biblical passages, makes Abraham undeniably important to the development of Judaism. Abraham showed us that no matter where we come from, how much we change, and how much life throws at us, we must hold fast to our convictions, even at great cost. This faith in the divine is ultimately what led to the establishment of the religion of the Jewish people, and it remains the defining factor of the Jewish faith to this day.
Abraham as Example
The story of Abraham is mainly focused on God’s commands – Abraham is shown to be prepared to commit anything, even his own son, if that is what is asked of him by God. Abraham is then rewarded for his faith and trust with a promise said to last forever. For this reason, Jews around the world view Abraham as an example of what it means to have faithfulness, courage and integrity.
Jewish people throughout history have been inspired and comforted by knowing the eternal promise made to Abraham and his descendants. His heroic story appears countless times in the Torah and other prayers, reminding the people of a divine bond between them and their God. The stories of Abraham’s faithfulness to God’s commands, though difficult, still serve as a model to Jewish people today.
Abraham’s example has been quoted by generations of Jews, showing that God will make good on his word and will also reward us for our faithfulness to His commandments. His story unifies the Jewish people and gives them hope, illustrating that, if we remain loyal to God’s covenant, no matter what we are challenged with, there will be a reward waiting for us.
Account of Abraham in the Torah
The central tale involving Abraham, found in the Book of Genesis, is of the near-sacrifice of his son, Isaac. This story is seen as morally significant in Jewish circles and illustrates the concept of Kiddush Hashem, which translates as ‘sanctification of God’s name’. This type of faith calls to question Abraham’s ultimate loyalty, particularly to a deity who apparently asks him to violate the most fundamental of a father’s duties: to love and protect one’s child.
Abraham’s reward for such devotion is the ultimate reassurance from God: the birth of numerous descendants and the legitimization of this new progeny as the chosen of God. This episode of Abraham in the Torah has served as a source of spiritual meditation and reflection for centuries, with many calling this the defining moment of Abraham’s life.
In Abraham’s encounter with God, he is asked to surrender something that was of immense value to him, his son. Despite being deeply difficult for him, Abraham continued to place his faith in God throughout this event. It is this very commitment to God and trust despite every difficulty that is celebrated even today and has become an integral part of the teachings and practices of Judaism.
Abraham and Mitzvah-Keeping
Mitzvah, a Hebrew word for ‘commandment’, is a term used to describe responsibly performing good deeds for the well-being of oneself, the community and the world. Mitzvah-keeping has been a key component of Judaism since the time of Abraham.
Abraham not only acted in accordance with laws prescribed by God, but also performed good deeds beyond what is mandatory. After Sarah’s death, Abraham did not keep all of the hilly region of Hebron, he left part of it free for the Hittites to bury their dead. He also initiated peace with the Philistines, by making them water their cattle at his own well.
Countless generations of Jews benefit from Abraham’s mitzvah-keeping even today, with devotion and dedication to ethical behavior amongst the most prized and revered values of Judaism. Abraham helped to secure a unique and all-encompassing bond between God and his people – be it through monumental sacrifice, through his uncompromising loyalty and faith, or through his incredible mitzvah-keeping.
Abraham’s Legacy
From the very beginning of Abraham’s journey and faith, his life has set the standard for how we should and must live – in loving service to God. Abraham embodies the notion of a righteousness and faith rewarded and he continues to be looked to this day as an exemplar of trust in God’s providence.
He has come to be seen as an individual who committed immense acts of kindness, who cared for the vulnerable and did his utmost to bring justice to those of little influence. He is an example of turning to God with openheartedness, of answering God’s infinite, unconditional grace with unconditional commitment. Abraham has shaped the trajectory of world faiths, and he stands as a benchmark and a remembrance of God’s power.
Abraham’s is a story of courage and perseverance, of service and of abiding faith. He left a remarkable mark on the world, not only from his timeless teachings which are carried out to this day, but also through his loving relationship with the Divine. Abraham is a beacon of hope, selflessness and faith for who come after him, and will continue to be remembered for centuries more.
