Various commentators associate each of the avot with different attributes. Avraham to chesed (kindness); Yitzchak to gevurah (inner strength), and Yaakov to talmud Torah (Studying the Torah). From the outset, Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner points out that Avraham’s attribute was quite different than those of our other forefathers. But what differentiates chesed from the others? After all, the three attributes appear to be equally strong qualities; characteristics that growth oriented individuals should focus on.

Perhaps the distinction lies in a basic misconception regarding our forbearers. As parents, the avot and imahot transmitted their unique traits within the Jewish tradition. Through simply existing as our avot and imahot, they passed on specific characteristics. However, this is not the case with Avraham. His attribute of chesed was not established because he was Avraham our father; rather, he was our father Avraham because he excelled in chesed. This is a subtle distinction, but a crucial one to appreciate.

Yitzchak and Yaakov were avot, key figures in the continuation of our Jewish legacy – the physical children of Avraham. However, God chose Avraham specifically because of his actions. Strictly due to the notion that Avraham embodied kindness, his undying commitment to help those in need provided the stable foundation for Judaism to rest upon. This is precisely what makes chesed extra special. George Saunders, a professor at Syracuse University, recently delivered the commencement address at the university for the class of 2013. Most of his words were dedicated to discussing his most significant regret.

As he notes,

So what do I regret? Being poor from time to time? Not really. Working terrible jobs? No. I don’t regret that. But here’s something I do regret:  in seventh grade, this new kid joined our class. Ellen was small and shy. When nervous, she had a habit of taking a strand of hair into her mouth and chewing on it. She came to our school and was mostly ignored, occasionally teased. I could see this hurt her. Sometimes I’d see her hanging around alone in her front yard, as if afraid to leave it. And then – they moved. That was it. No tragedy, no big final hazing. One day she was there. Next day she wasn’t.  End of story. Now, why do I regret that? Why, forty-two years later am I still thinking about it? Relative to most of the other kids, I was actually pretty nice to her. But still. It bothers me. So here’s something I know to be true: what I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

For some of you, Yeshiva University is a brand new experience. For others, this is a continuation of your journey here. But regardless of your academic standing, as our school year and Yamim Noraim commence, ensure that Avraham and Sarah’s message of kindness is central to your personal mission. The Torah utilizes Avraham and Sarah as paragons of our faith exclusively to teach that kindness and compassion should be integrated into all aspects of our lives. Yes –Limud Torah , career aspirations, are all critical components of your time here at Yeshiva. But what makes Yeshiva unique is our family atmosphere and the invaluable relationships you will develop with faculty and students alike. And the idea of family is predicated on the notion of chesed. Do your very best to help others feel more comfortable around you, lend a helping hand, and make a sincere commitment to assisting others. I can promise you one thing: you won’t regret it.