Image: A man with a backpack walks down a footpath. Photo by Hermann via pixabay.
“Lech lecha” – “Get yourself” or “Go, you!” or “Go forth” is from the first line of this week’s Torah portion:
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־אַבְרָ֔ם לֶךְ־לְךָ֛ מֵאַרְצְךָ֥ וּמִמּֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ וּמִבֵּ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַרְאֶֽךָּ׃
The Eternal said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1
As often happens, the ambiguity of translation gives us lots of room for interpretation. This is a story about a leap of faith, about a journey, about a dream. What does it say to you, in this particular year, in your particular situation?
Some words from our online darshanim [preachers]:
“To Boldly Go:” on Lech Lecha and Star Trek – Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Smashing Idols – Rabbi Dan Fink
A Post Election Prayer: The Journey Ahead – Rabbi Andy Gordon
Sojourners for Justice – Rabbi Nina Mizrahi
Sarah: Blinded by her outward appearance… – Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild
Go Forth – Rabbi Kari Tuling, PhD.
Abraham & Sarah in the Court of Pharaoh – Rabbi Ruth Adar
It says a lot to me in light of the most horrific hate being tossed around as news. This week a very talented musician, singer, writer and wonderful person passed away. My I share with you one of Leonard Cohen’s greatest songs. Dance Me to the End of Love https://youtu.be/NGorjBVag0I
Thank you, Dennis. I am going to miss Leonard Cohen so terribly.