The Jewish story begins with this week’s Torah portion and the introduction of Abraham. Until now, Genesis has explored the creation of the Universe and the story of all humanity.
Abraham is said to have walked before God: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, ADONAI appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai. Walk before me and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1) This is in stark contrast to Noah, whose story we read last week. Noah is said to have walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
What is it about Abraham that makes him special? Noah, when he learns of God’s plan to destroy all life on earth, obeys God and builds an Ark to save his family and animal life. But he does nothing to limit God’s decree to persuade his fellow humans to change and avert disaster.
Abraham, on the other hand, when he learns of God’s plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, confronts God and tries to persuade God to spare the cities for the sake of even one righteous person.
When we compare Noah and Abraham, one of the lessons we learn is that taking care of yourself and your family, as Noah did, is important, but not sufficient to be considered righteous.
A righteous person cares about others in addition to themselves. Individual welfare is tied to our collective welfare.
If we don’t care about both, we are falling short of our moral commitments.
Lech-Lecha, Genesis 12:1-17:27, Parshat Ha Shavua for Shabbat, Saturday, October 31, 2020
October 30, 2020 by Dean Kertesz • Drashot
The Jewish story begins with this week’s Torah portion and the introduction of Abraham. Until now, Genesis has explored the creation of the Universe and the story of all humanity.
Abraham is said to have walked before God: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, ADONAI appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai. Walk before me and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1) This is in stark contrast to Noah, whose story we read last week. Noah is said to have walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
What is it about Abraham that makes him special? Noah, when he learns of God’s plan to destroy all life on earth, obeys God and builds an Ark to save his family and animal life. But he does nothing to limit God’s decree to persuade his fellow humans to change and avert disaster.
Abraham, on the other hand, when he learns of God’s plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, confronts God and tries to persuade God to spare the cities for the sake of even one righteous person.
When we compare Noah and Abraham, one of the lessons we learn is that taking care of yourself and your family, as Noah did, is important, but not sufficient to be considered righteous.
A righteous person cares about others in addition to themselves. Individual welfare is tied to our collective welfare.
If we don’t care about both, we are falling short of our moral commitments.