Lech Lecha: Father of Many Nations
Rabbi Chanan Morrison
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Rav Kook on the Torah Portion
Father of Many Nations
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Notarikon in the Torah
While abbreviations and acronyms are quite common in
rabbinic writings, this is not the case in the text of the
Torah. The Sages however noted that acronyms - called
notarikon in Aramaic - do occasionally exist in the Torah.
The first (and clearest) example comes from the new name
that God gave to Abraham:
God changed Abram's name to Avraham and explained that this new name is an abbreviation of Abraham's new status - he is "av hamon goyim," the father of many nations. The Talmud [Shabbat 105a], however, was not satisfied with this interpretation of the name. While the text explains 'Avraham' to be a syllabic abbreviation of the words "av hamon," the Sages converted it into a full-blown acronym. They wrote that each of the six Hebrew letters of "av hamon" represents a different aspect of Abraham's standing in the world.
Abraham's Dual Influence We should not think of a Notarikon as merely a homiletic or mnemonic device. Rather, it reveals additional levels of meaning in the text. Besides a literal understanding of the words, there is an abundance of profound ideas that branch out from within that which was explicitly communicated. This is similar to the properties of an acronym, where the written text contains a single letter, and from that letter we may extrapolate an entire word. What is particularly interesting is that the example that the Sages chose for a Notarikon in the Torah is the name 'Abraham.' Why is this significant? Abraham's essential nature - his life's mission - was to found the Jewish people. All of the three patriarchs, the Sages taught, are called 'Israel' [Breishit Rabbah 63:3]. In other words, their primary goal was the establishment of this special people, a nation intended to serve as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" [Ex. 19:6]. Yet Abraham also had a significant influence on all nations. This influence, the Sages explained, may be delineated into six categories, corresponding to the six letters of "Av Hamon." Thus, like a Notarikon, Abraham's influence was on two levels. His explicit life-goal was to serve as a founder of the Jewish people. But Abraham had an additional, more extensive influence, as he propagated his teachings of monotheism and ethics among all peoples. Six Aspects of Universal Influence Upon examining each letter of "Av Hamon," the Sages taught, we will uncover an aspect of Abraham's universal influence. He was an Av, a spiritual father to many nations, the source for monotheism and true knowledge of God throughout the world. His influence was Bachur - select and separate from the confused variety of beliefs held by the nations. His pure faith in one God was not adulterated by the false and idolatrous views of other peoples. Furthermore, his Torah enjoyed a charismatic attraction that, due to its inner truth, drew many people with great interest - it was beloved and Haviv. Due to the profound respect that Abraham enjoyed, he was regarded as a Melech. The people referred to him as a "prince of God" [Gen. 23:6]. Like a king in battle, he led the fight for truth in a world steeped in darkness and ignorance; he was victorious by virtue of the greatness and truth of his vision. Furthermore, Abraham's Torah was not just a theoretical philosophy. He was Vatik among the nations - he was honored for his personal integrity and righteousness. Abraham sought to refine deeds and character traits through the holiness of his beliefs, and promoted a life of morality and justice. The final attribute of Abraham's universal influence was Ne'eman - a man of faith. As the Torah testifies, "He believed in God, and God counted it as righteousness" [Gen. 15:6]. The nascent kernel of faith among the nations comes from the spiritual influence of Abraham. This spark of positive faith continues to illuminate the paths of many nations - a spark that in the future will be elevated into a pure and refined faith in God. [adapted from Ein Ayah vol. IV p. 264]
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