The Parsha this week is well worth a read. 

 

The Parsha this week is well worth a read. It is Lech L’cha, Genesis 12-17. The narration is about Avram’s life from the age of 75 to the age of 99. How years were determined in those times makes for an interesting discussion. What’s really significant about the narrative is the journey that Avram, and Sarai, embark on, establishing themselves in the land of Canaan, the vision they shared and the challenges they faced.  

Many of us reading this newsletter are up there in years and may gain new insights from the lessons in this story.  No matter what age we are, we face challenges, changes and moments of growth. Avram’s journey in Lech L’cha is largely about how he finds himself, learns to listen to the Inner Voice, YHVH, and performs acts of chesed, diplomacy and righteousness toward others. We learned how his understanding of God is relational and inclusive.  We also learn that he was a peacemaker. We see how he risks his life to save his nephew Lot. We also see how his wife, Sarai, in a deeply troubling episode, uses her wisdom and prophetic powers to address sexism and Phaoronic power.

Where are we on our journeys? As I grow older I have become more aware of the need to listen more deeply, within and beyond.   

Lech L’cha. May we "go forth to our deeper selves" and may we go forward in acts of chesed and resolve as Avram and Sarai did.

B’Shalom,

Reb David