Lech Lecha begins with Avram’s father, Terah, journeying from Ur to Canaan. Avram continues his father’s journey, during which time he develops his own set of religious practices informed by G-d. Avram journeys to Canaan and Egypt, encountering opportunities and communities. These experiences hone his beliefs and his faith. Abraham (new name) becomes the leader of a prosperous clan, and creates both a religious legacy and progeny, in subsequent parashot.

At JMR33 we will explore Lech Lecha’s theme of journeys. Like Avram, our journeys are a continuation of those of our ancestors. These are both physical and spiritual journeys.  We may not have the benefit of direct divine guidance in choosing those paths and practices. They are, however, informed by our heritage, our faith, our choices, and external events.

It is important that we recall where we have come from in order to better understand who we are.  Parts of that story were written by others for us.  But are we bound to them? What is our journey? We have the ability to write our own Jewish story. Over the weekend we will reflect upon our present lives, inner selves, and the Jewish storyline that runs through our journeys.

We read of Avram’s self-growth in Lech Lecha. Each of us also has the opportunity to evolve. The belief that we have the agency to change (or return) is a fundamental Jewish principle.  This first requires changes in our inner selves and then changes in our daily lives and circumstances.  Our Jewish faith and heritage can inform this journey. We can write a new Jewish story for ourselves, with the help of our family, friends, brothers and community.