Do you ever feel like you stand out in a crowd? Are you the one to step up and say no? Would you go against your friends if they made a wrong choice?

Growing up, you probably heard the story of Abraham refusing to worship idols. Terah, Abraham’s father, leaves Abraham at his store one day, and when he returns, he finds all of his idols smashed into pieces. Enraged, he confronts Abraham about smashing the idols, saying, “You know that the idols can’t walk or talk or move!” To this, Abraham responds, “If they can’t protect themselves, then why do you pray to them to protect you?”

The parashah, or Torah portion, from a few week's ago is entitled Lech L’cha (Genesis 12-17). The portion is well known as the explanation for why God chose Abraham. Lech L’cha begins with God promising to turn Abraham’s descendents into a great nation. God selected the Jews as the “chosen people” or “the children of Abraham.” He trusted Abraham and his descendents to be the people in the world to do the right thing. God saw something unique within Abraham.

Abraham stood up for what he believed in. He went against his own father, yet he ended up being the leader of the Jewish people. In no way am I suggesting starting an argument with your parents, but just think about it. Next time your friends want to go somewhere or do something that you don’t approve of, don’t be afraid to say no. Abraham did, and look where it took him.