VBM The Beginning of Avraham’s Journey By Harav Yaakov Medan

I. Two Aggadot Now the Lord said unto Avram: Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, unto the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and be you a blessing. And I will bless them that bless you, and him that curses you will I curse; and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (Bereishit 12:1-3) The story of Terach's family, Avraham included, which transplants itself from Ur Kasdim to the land of Canaan, begins at the end of Parashat Noach; but the Torah does not explain why God chooses Avraham of all people to establish from Him the nation of God. We are told nothing about his righteousness or his faith. Chazal recount two incidents that give expression to the greatness of Avraham's faith, on account of which he is chosen to establish the nation of God.