This week’s Torah portion is Lech Lecha which means “Go Forth” and is found in Genesis 12:1. Here, G-d tells Abram to “go from your land” to a land that I will show you. G-d outlines that Abraham is to leave his land, leave his birthplace, and leave his father’s house and go to new land.
G-d establishes a covenant with Abram, foretelling of the Hebrew persecution and exile as well as the eternal inheritance of the land of Israel. During this time, Abram and Sarai struggle with childlessness and in desperation, Sarai tells Abram to marry her maidservant, Hagar, leading to the birth of Ishmael. Hagar becomes disrespectful toward Sarai and flees when Sarai treats her severely.
Later on, G-d changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah while promising them that they will have a son, Isaac, through whom G‑d will establish His special relationship. Abraham is commanded to circumcise himself and his descendants as a sign of their covenant.
Why would G-d want Abraham and Sarah to leave their land, their birthplace, and their father’s house?
Why does G-d want to show Abraham and Sarah a new land?
Why does G-d change Abraham and Sarah’s names before Isaac is born and before they arrive in the Promised Land?
Topic: Society of Jewish Science – Kabbalat Shabbat Service
