Parshas Lech L’cha is the first of three biographical narratives covering the life of our patriarch Abraham. He was initially introduced as the successful goal of the lineage of Noah. This parsha contains seven major episodes: 1) his entry into the holy land, 2) his detour into Egypt, 3) parting with his nephew Lot, 4) his intervention in the war between Sodom and Babylon, 5) Hashem’s gifting of the holy land to the descendants of Avraham, 6) the less than successful attempt to take Sarah’s lady-in-waiting as a concubine, 7) the appointment of the descendants of Avraham to be G-d’s nation and its associated sign circumcision. The following parsha concludes with the birth of Rebekah, the daughter in law of Abraham. The third parsha, Chayay Sarah (the Life of Sarah), includes the passing away of Avraham but concludes with the death of his son Ishmael.
Much of the focus of the story of Abraham is the importance of circumcision and how he comes to merit having this mitzvah. This is intertwined with the importance of his wife, Sarah, and his relationship with her. Sarah is mentioned by name when Avram sets out for the land of Canaan. Rashi explains that when they were in Haran Avram would teach the men religion and Sarah the women. When going to Egypt they discuss her beauty and the related concerns.
An attempt to produce an heir to Avram through the servant of Sarah fails. Abraham’s personal servant is not considered appropriate to continue his work. After Sarah perishes Avraham takes another wife and father's many children. None of them are significant in the Chumash and Abraham sends them away. Previously Lot, because he does not wish to advance in religion, separates from Avram. Problematically, he moves to Sodom and like them becomes twisted and depraved.
The underlying subtle issues seem to be soulmate and family purity. Avraham is not driven by lust. Subsequent adventures sharpen this characteristic until he can be further purified by circumcision. Also many approaches are explored concerning who will carry on his work. The only one that succeeds is the son that is borne to him by his wife Sarah. From this we learn that a man's greatest achievements may only be possible through refined purity and with the help of his soulmate.
לע"נ האמה מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנח
העלון ניתן לקבל בדואר אלקטרוני וגם באתר http://dyschreiber.blogspo
