Avraham Avinu Is My Father: Thoughts on Torah, History and Judaism
Dr. Rabbi Zev Farber
An excerpt from the concluding section, "Fathers and Fables"
Consider the position of the convert. The convert feels part of the covenant of Israel and is called the son or daughter of Abraham and Sarah—even though, in a literal sense, he or she is not. In many ways we are all like the convert. Abraham and Sarah are folkloristic characters; factually speaking, they are not my ancestors or anyone else’s
Going back three and half millennia, I really don’t know who my ancestors were, but even if I did know, I am not sure that this information would be more than mildly interesting. My actual forefather has had little impact on my conscious life, whatever his contribution to my DNA and current existence may be. The same cannot be said for our father Abraham, Avraham Avinu
Abraham lives and breathes in my consciousness in a real and vibrant way. Every year I read his story in the Torah, read the embellishments of his story in Chazal (rabbinic literature), and hear and teach lessons from his story in sermons and divrei Torah. I learn from his example, try to copy his successes and learn from his failures. His defense of Sodom stands out as a pillar of ethical thinking and his ability to follow his trust in God over any type of adversity makes him the model of faithfulness for all Jews
My progenitor, whoever he was, is just that, but Avraham Avinu is my father
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