PARASHAT Lech Lecha

Torah Gems - November 8th 2008 / 10 Cheshvan

This week's Torah Gems were prepared by

Francine Aron

PARASHAT Lech Lecha

Lech Lecha covers a wide range of events and emotions

- from extreme seriousness - to go forth into the unknown - to extreme happiness- being told that one will have a child; and from war to domestic concerns - and from these events we learn the character of Avraham.

First is the complete trust inwhich allows him to pack up his family and possessions at the age of 75 and venture into unknown territory.A very difficult and courageous act

- but Avraham had actually been a wanderer from his childhood - he had always strayed away from the thinking of his time, which was idol worshipping, and had tried to lead people to the understanding that there is only one God.The opening sentence of Lech Lecha tells him to go into himself - to become himself completely - by leaving his land, his relations, and the house of his father, and to go to the land where he will truly fulfill himself.It is no wonder that this difficult task is followed by sentences which contain the word "blessing" 5 times. A way of reassuring him on his journey.

Then we see Avraham in his capacity as head of his family, taking on the responsibility of caring for his nephew Lot, who is fatherless.He does this even though Lot has a very differentof life.

Very worldly.When there is a famine and Avraham and his entourage travel to Egypt, we see a human being who knows the real dangers which exist there

- the corruption and immorality - and in order to save his life, puts the honor of Sarah in danger. Human frailty is also part of his picture.

Very respectful.When he returns from Egypt with great wealthstays at the same place he had stayed earlier when he did not have much means, so as not to make the owner feel insulted.

Extremely focused.Although he wants Lot to be with him, when he sees that Lot does not share his values, he respectfully requests that they part ways.He knows the work that he must do and will not stray from it.

Much travel is undertaken by Avraham. He is told by God several times to walk across the land, and to get to know it, and thus to make it his own.This knowledge comes in very handy when he sets out to rescue Lot from the kings who have captured him.

He is very knowledgeable about war tactics.In order to rescue his nephew, he gathers his people (318 souls) and travels to the north

- to Dan and Damascus - and divides them into smaller groups and makes a surprise attack in the night, and is successful.

He has the appropriate fear that all true warriors have

- that war may sometimes be necessary but is horrible, and after his combat with the kings, Avraham is afraid - perhaps he killed good persons; even if not good, it is terrible to kill at all - perhaps they will seek revenge; or

perhaps with this victory he has used up all his rewards

- so God tells him: fear not, I will be your shield, and your rewards will be great(15:1)

And he is a very good husband

- he listens to his wife (16:12), and weds Hagar only at the insistence of Sarah.

And although his faith in God is strong

- he is still able towhen God tells him that he will have a son - him being 100 and Sarah 90!

These are only a bit of the portrait. It's for you to read this parsha and the next one closely to complete the portrait!

Hopefully some of the wonderful qualities will be present in our new leaders.