Rabbi Gold cites midrash; Abraham followed an ox into the cave of Machpela and witnessed Adam and Eve, the gateway to paradise. This cave that became the burial place for Sarah underscored the fullness of life; the time of our greatest life is also the time of abundant harvest.
Rabbi Sacks writes about God’s 2 promises to Abraham – the land of Canaan and a multitude of descendants. Yet in Abraham’s lifetime, he only acquires a field and a cave for a burial plot and 2 sons – 1 excluded from the Covenant. Furthermore, Abraham had to work very hard to achieve them. God’s promises do not mean that the gifts are simply handed down to us. We have to work for them.
Mordechai Dixler considers the disconnect between Abrahams concern for the people of Sodom, knowing that they were cruel and heartless. Why would he do that? Mr. Dixler names 2 reasons for kindness: a natural tendency to be kind, and a commitment to a moral obligation.
Rabbi Cohen writes about Hachnasat Orchim – the responsibility to welcome guests. He cites Avot 3:7, which teaches that the divine presence is found in our relationships with others. Yet hospitality can be challenging, especially in a world of isolation and marginalization.
Rabbi Sacks comments on the challenge in interpreting the meaning of Adonai, in chapter 18 verse 1, verse 3, and in chapter 19 verse 2. The first instance uses the Tetragrammaton, verbalized Adonai, while the 2nd and 3rd instances use the word Adonai spelled out. Yet in all 3, it seems that G-d is the one doing the speaking.
Rabbi Bergadine considers the literal meaning of the first 2 words – lech lecha- go forth for yourself. She quote Rashi, who interpreted the phrase as ‘going forth for your own benefit’. She asks if we have made the effort to benefit all of ourselves – the “body work” as well as the “soul work”.
I am El Shaddai. Walk in My ways and be tamim. Please follow the link below to read Rabbi Barenblat’s poem what it means to be “pure”
Rabbi Sacks addresses the ambiguity of Terah and Abraham. Terah worshipped idols, but took the first steps towards a new homeland and life. Abraham broke with the pattern of idolatry, risking disrespect for his father, and completed Torah’s journey.
Rabbi Zamek drashes on the selection of species to be included in the Ark, commenting that if most of us had a choice, we would have excluded certain life forms, such as leeches or cockroaches. As he states, this perspective reflects only our own personal interests, without considering the well-being of the entire world that was created.
Rabbi Barenblat composes a beautiful poem on the theme of understanding.