Parashat Lech Lecha is the third weekly Torah portion in the book of Genesis (Bereishit). It is a foundational text in Jewish tradition and encompasses Genesis 12:1-17:27. The parasha is significant as it marks the beginning of the story of Abraham (Avraham), one of the central figures in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Divine Call: The name “Lech Lecha” translates to “Go forth” in Hebrew. The parasha opens with God’s command to Abraham: “Lech Lecha me’artzecha u’mimolad’techa u’mi’bet avicha, el ha’aretz asher areka” (“Go forth from your land, your birthplace, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you”). Abraham, then called Abram, is chosen by God to leave his homeland, Ur Kasdim (in Mesopotamia), and embark on a journey to the land of Canaan.
The Covenant: In Canaan, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the land of Canaan as their eternal inheritance. This covenant establishes the special relationship between God and the Jewish people, which is a central theme throughout the Torah.
Abraham and Sarah: The parasha also introduces Abraham’s wife, Sarai (later renamed Sarah), and their nephew Lot. It recounts their travels, challenges, and encounters, including the episode where Sarai is taken into Pharaoh’s court and subsequently released due to divine intervention.
Hospitality and Righteousness: Parashat Lech Lecha includes the story of Abraham’s hospitality toward three strangers who visit his tent. This narrative illustrates the importance of hospitality in Jewish tradition and highlights Abraham’s righteousness and kindness.
The Birth of Ishmael: As Sarai is unable to bear children, she offers her maidservant Hagar to Abraham. Hagar conceives and gives birth to Ishmael, becoming the mother of the Arab nations, traditionally seen as the ancestor of many Arab peoples.
The Covenant of Circumcision: In this parasha, God establishes the covenant of circumcision (Brit Milah) with Abraham, requiring all males in his household, and subsequently all Jewish males, to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth as a sign of the covenant.
The Binding of Isaac (Akedah): One of the most profound and challenging narratives in the Torah, the Akedah recounts God’s test of Abraham’s faith. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as an offering. Abraham, demonstrating unwavering faith, is willing to comply, but at the last moment, God provides a ram for the sacrifice instead, reaffirming the covenant and Abraham’s faithfulness.
Key Themes: Parashat Lech Lecha explores themes of faith, obedience, hospitality, and the fulfillment of divine promises. It lays the foundation for the Abrahamic religions and emphasizes the importance of monotheism, ethical living, and the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people.
This parasha continues to be studied and revered for its profound moral and spiritual lessons, making it a cornerstone of Jewish religious and ethical teachings.
Fact | Description |
---|---|
Parashah Number | 3rd Parashah in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit) |
Parashah Name | Lech Lecha (לֶךְ-לְךָ) translates to “Go forth” in Hebrew |
Torah Book | Genesis (Bereshit) |
Number of Verses | 126 verses |
Number of Words | Approximately 1,766 words (in the Hebrew text) |
Primary Characters | Abraham (originally Abram), Sarai (later Sarah), Lot, Hagar, Ishmael, Isaac, and various kings and leaders encountered during Abraham’s travels. |
Significant Events | Divine command to leave Ur Kasdim, God’s covenant with Abraham, Sarai’s journey to Pharaoh’s court, the birth of Ishmael, the covenant of circumcision, and the binding of Isaac. |
Notable Places | Ur Kasdim (Abraham’s homeland), Canaan (the promised land), Egypt (where Abraham and Sarai traveled during a famine), Moriah (where the binding of Isaac occurred). |
Themes | Faith, obedience, hospitality, divine promises, covenant, lineage, sacrifice, and righteousness. |
Key Teachings | Emphasizes faith in God’s guidance, the importance of hospitality, the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants, and the significance of sacrifice. |
Challenges Faced | Leaving one’s homeland, barrenness, challenges to marital relationships, and the ultimate test of faith (the binding of Isaac). |
Legacy | Parashat Lech Lecha lays the foundation for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as Abraham is considered the patriarch of all three monotheistic religions. |
Relevance Today | Reminds believers of the importance of faith, obedience, and hospitality. The parashah’s themes continue to inspire discussions on religious devotion and moral conduct. |
Well-Known Story | The Akedah (Binding of Isaac) is one of the most famous and often discussed stories in the Bible, representing unwavering faith and God’s providence. |
Special Observances or Customs | The covenant of circumcision, a fundamental ritual in Judaism, is established in this parashah. Jews celebrate this tradition as a symbol of their covenant with God. |
Connections to Other Texts | The promises made to Abraham in Lech Lecha are foundational to many biblical narratives, including the Exodus and the possession of the Promised Land. |
Theological Significance | Parashat Lech Lecha explores profound theological concepts, such as divine providence, human free will, and the nature of faith, contributing to theological discussions. |
לך לך
בראשית י״ב:א׳-כ׳
Lech Lecha
Genesis 12:1-17:27
And I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
And you shall be a blessing.
And curse the one who curses you;
And all the families of the earth
Shall bless themselves by you.”
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
Who has delivered your foes into your hand.” And [Abram] gave him a tenth of everything.
“Fear not, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.”
You shall go to your ancestors in peace;
You shall be buried at a ripe old age.
“I will greatly increase your offspring,
And they shall be too many to count.”
“Behold, you are pregnant
And shall bear a son;
You shall call him Ishmael,
For יהוה has paid heed to your suffering.
His hand against everyone,
And everyone’s hand against him;
He shall dwell alongside of all his kin.”
ישעיהו
מ׳:כ״ז-ל״א
Isaiah
Why declare, O Israel,
“My way is hid from GOD,
My cause is ignored by my God”?
Have you not heard?
The ETERNAL is God from of old,
Creator of the earth from end to end,
Who never grows faint or weary,
Whose wisdom cannot be fathomed—
Fresh vigor to the spent.
And young men stumble and fall;
As eagles grow new plumes:
They shall run and not grow weary,
They shall march and not grow faint.
And let nations renew their strength.
Let them approach to state their case;
Let us come forward together for argument.
Summoned him to God’s service?
Has delivered up nations to him,
And trodden sovereigns down?
Has rendered their swords like dust,
Their bows like wind-blown straw?
No shackle is placed on his feet.
The One who announced the generations from the start—
I, GOD, who was first
And will be with the last as well.
The ends of earth tremble.
The craftsmen draw near and come;
Saying to his fellow, “Take courage!”
He who flattens with the hammer
[Encourages] him who pounds the anvil.
He says of the riveting, “It is good!”
And he fixes it with nails,
That it may not topple.
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
Seed of Abraham My friend—
And called from its far corners,
To whom I said: You are My servant;
I chose you, I have not rejected you—
Be not frightened, for I am your God;
I strengthen you and I help you,
I uphold you with My victorious right hand.
All who contend with you;
They who strive with you
Shall become as naught and shall perish.
Those who struggle with you;
Less than nothing shall be
The men who battle against you.
Who grasped your right hand,
Who say to you: Have no fear;
I will be your help.
O men of Israel:
I will help you
—declares GOD —
I your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
A new thresher, with many spikes;
You shall thresh mountains to dust,
And make hills like chaff.
And the wind shall carry them off;
The whirlwind shall scatter them.
But you shall rejoice in GOD,
And glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Lech Lecha
more on Parashat Parashat Lech Lecha: Abraham’s Journey
Quick Guide: The Five Books of Moses
Genesis | Exodus | Leviticus | Numbers | Deuteronomy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bereshit (1:1-6:8) |
Shemot (1:1-6:1) |
Vayikra (1:1-5:26) |
Bemidbar (1:1-4:20) |
Devarim (1:1-3:22) |
Noach (6:9-11:32) |
Va'era (6:2-9:35) |
Tzav (6:1-8:36) |
Naso (4:21-7:89) |
Va'etchanan (3:23-7:11) |
Lech Lecha (12:1-17:27) |
Bo (10:1-13:16) |
Shemini (9:1-11:47) |
Behaalotecha (8:1-12:16) |
Ekev (7:12-11:25) |
Vayera (18:1-22:24) |
Beshalach (13:17-17:16) |
Tazria (12:1-13:59) |
Shelach (13:1-15:41) |
Re'eh (11:26-16:17) |
Chaye Sarah (23:1-25:18) |
Yitro (18:1-20:23) |
Metzora (14:1-15:33) |
Korach (16:1-18:32) |
Shoftim (16:18-21:9) |
Toledot (25:19-28:9) |
Mishpatim (21:1-24:18) |
Achare Mot (16:1-18:30) |
Chukat (19:1-22:1) |
Ki Tetze (21:10-25:19) |
Vayetze (28:10-32:3) |
Teruma (25:1-27:19) |
Kedoshim (19:1-20:27) |
Balak (22:2-25:9) |
Ki Tavo (26:1-29:8) |
Vayishlach (32:4-36:43) |
Tetzave (27:20-30:10) |
Emor (21:1-24:23) |
Pinchas (25:10-30:1) |
Nitzavim (29:9-30:20) |
Vayeshev (37:1-40:23) |
Ki Tisa (30:11-34:35) |
Behar (25:1-26:2) |
Matot (30:2-32:42) |
Vayelech (31:1-30) |
Miketz (41:1-44:17) | Vayakhel (35:1-38:20) |
Bechukotai (26:3-27:34) |
Masei (33:1-36:13) |
Haazinu (32:1-52) |
Vayigash (44:18-47:27) |
Pekude (38:21-40:38) |
V'Zot HaBeracha (33:1-34:12) |
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Vayechi (47:28-50:26) |