How to be Righteous before G-d

Throughout generations G-d has chosen several righteous people.

  • G-d has talked with them, granted them most amazing miracles, set everlasting covenants with them and even carried their own blessings for future generations. We must learn to behave as the righteous ones did, so we too may find favor in His eyes. G-d chose only the most righteous one in his generation.


Here is what we can learn from their relationship with G-d

  • Appreciate G-d's miracles Adam, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses all brought appreciation offerings to G-d. Sacrifices are no longer made after the destruction of the Temple, but we must still show appreciation for every miracle. Abraham said to G-d, "If only Ishmael will live before You!" - it would be enough for Abraham even if G-d didn't give him anything more, but G-d granted Abraham the miracle of Isaac.
  • Give back to the Lord Jacob said: "If G-d will be with me, and He will guard me on this way, upon which I am going, and He will give me bread to eat and a garment to wear; And if I return in peace to my father's house, and the Lord will be my G-d; Then this stone, which I have placed as a monument, shall be a house of G-d, and everything that You give me, I will surely tithe to You”. Jacob distinctly made this vow, he didn’t just think about it subconsciously.
  • Give only the choicest possessions G-d rejected Cain’s gift because Cain did not bring the best of what he had.
  • Follow G-d’s will without delay Abraham circumcised all males in the household, on that very day, as G-d had spoken with him.
  • Follow the way of the Lord Abraham followed the way of the Lord and commanded his entire household to keep the way of the Lord in order that the Lord bring upon Abraham that which He spoke concerning him.
  • Pray on a daily basis Isaac went forth to pray in the field towards evening. He prayed, feared G-d, and was blessed.
  • Never fail to believe in G-d’s power & kindness! Above all, the most important distinction of the righteous ones is that they fully trusted G-d. He tested them on many occasions and they have passed the tests. Noah built the ark for 100 years, Abraham was ready to offer his son, Moses faced the pharaoh. Abraham believed when G-d blessed him to have numerous descendants and G-d accounted his belief in Him as righteousness. "In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States.


And here is what we can learn about communicating with G-d

  • When you need guidance, ask G-d to give you a sign When Abraham’s servant had to find a wife for Isaac, he asked G-d to show him the right maiden, saying that it would be one who will offer him water and will also bring water to the camels. Before he finished speaking Rebecca came out with a pitcher on her shoulder.
  • When you need help, ask G-d for help Here is how Jacob asked G-d to save him from Esau: "O G-d of my father Abraham and G-d of my father Isaac, the Lord, Who said to me, 'Return to your land and to your birthplace, and I will do good to you.' I have become small from all the kindnesses and from all the truth that You have rendered Your servant, for with my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Now deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him, lest he come and strike me, [and strike] a mother with children. And You said, 'I will surely do good with you, and I will make your seed [as numerous] as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of multitude.'"

    Another example: Isaac prayed to the Lord opposite his wife because she was barren, the Lord accepted his prayer, and Rebecca his wife conceived.